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Looking Back: “Wise Counsel Can Save Your Life and Ministry” – A Weekend Study Recap Date: Sept. 27th 2025 Scripture: 1 Chronicles 21 Message Title: Wise Counsel Can Save Your Life and Ministry Last weekend we gathered to dig deep into a powerful, often‑overlooked passage—the account of King David’s census and the ensuing divine judgment. Through careful study and heartfelt discussion, we uncovered timeless truths that speak directly to the challenges of leadership, pride, and repentance today. 1. The Narrative in a Nutshell 1 Chronicles 21 tells how a heavenly adversary incited David to order a census of Israel. Despite Joab’s warning, David pressed on, counting over a million fighting men. God, offended, offered David three graded punishments—famine, defeat, or plague. David chose the plague, confessed his sin, and purchased the threshing floor of Araunah to build an altar. God answered with fire, halted the plague, and declared the site the future location of the Temple. 2. Core Themes & Spiritual Applications Satan’s Role as Tempter The narrative explicitly names Satan as the one who “incites” David (v. 1). Recognize that even faithful leaders can be led into error by subtle, seemingly reasonable suggestions. Stay vigilant. Human Pride & Reliance on Numbers David seeks a census to gauge military strength and prestige. Joab warns that counting people can imply trust in human power rather than divine providence.In modern life we “count” wealth, followers, achievements, or metrics. True security rests in God, not statistics. God’s Graded Response God offers three punishments, allowing David to choose the “least” severe option (plague). God’s discipline is purposeful, not arbitrary. Confession and repentance give us room to respond rather than being crushed by a single, unmitigated judgment. Repentance & Sacrificial Worship David’s heartfelt confession and his willingness to pay full price for the threshing floor demonstrate humility and tangible restitution. Authentic repentance involves both acknowledgment of sin and concrete steps toward restoration—whether through prayer, restitution, or sacrificial giving. Covenantal Faithfulness The plague stops at the altar, and the site becomes the future Temple—a sign of God’s mercy superseding judgment. When we turn back to God, He can transform discipline into a foundation for renewed purpose and intimacy. 3. Reflections for Personal or Group Study. We explored several practical prompts that you can still use this week:
4. A Balanced Perspective
5. Join Us for Ongoing GrowthIf you missed the live session or want to revisit the teaching, the full sermon notes are attached below. Feel free to download, highlight, and share them with your small groups or Bible studies. Next Steps:
Thank you for being part of a community that values honest self‑examination and the restorative power of God’s mercy. We look forward to seeing how these truths continue to shape your life and ministry. Blessings, Dr. Patrick Vossen Pastor/Study Leader 
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Mercy Came Running For Me: A Reflection on God's Boundless Grace I've been reflecting on the powerful message from our recent Saturday afternoon Gathering, "When Mercy Came Running For Me." This message, shared at Covenant of Grace Ministry & Fellowship, dives deep into the boundless nature of God's mercy and its transformative power in our lives. The Heart of God's MercyAccording to evangelist Jonathan Edwards, God's mercy is an attribute He has "more gloriously to manifest" than any other. The wonders of divine grace are considered the greatest of all wonders, surpassing even the marvels of creation or the wonders of justice in punishing sin. Edwards states that "Grace, grace!" is the sound the gospel rings with and a shout that will echo in heaven forever. We see this theme of mercy woven throughout Scripture, from the psalmist's plea to the teachings of Jesus. Psalm 51, for example, is a powerful model of repentance. The psalmist, traditionally attributed to King David, appeals for mercy based on God's love and compassion, acknowledging his own sinfulness from birth. He expresses a deep desire for spiritual cleansing and a renewed heart, asking God to "create a clean heart for me" and "put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me". This psalm is a heartfelt cry for transformation and a testament to the transformative power of God's grace. The Parable of the Prodigal SonThe parable of the Prodigal Son, one of Jesus’ most famous teachings, provides a vivid picture of God's mercy in action. The younger son rebels, takes his inheritance, and wastes it all on extravagant living, leading to a life of destitution. After hitting rock bottom, he comes to his senses and decides to return home, prepared to beg his father to take him on as a hired hand. But the father's reaction is what truly shows us the heart of mercy. While the son is still a long way off, the father sees him and is "moved with compassion". He runs to him, hugs him, and celebrates his return with a feast. This powerful image illustrates God’s unconditional love and his readiness to forgive those who repent. It shows that no matter how far we stray, redemption is always possible. The story also includes the older brother, who is resentful and refuses to join the celebration. His reaction highlights the dangers of self-righteousness and a lack of compassion. The father's response to him emphasizes that the joy of forgiveness and reconciliation should be celebrated by all, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's grace. Mercy in Our LivesThe message reminds us that mercy isn't just a theological concept—it's a lifeline. As C.S. Lewis described, God's mercy is "like a river, vast and deep, flowing down from the heights of heaven into the depths of our need". It is the "bridge that God builds to reach out to us in our weakness and failure," as Dietrich Bonhoeffer said. The life of John Newton, the author of the hymn "Amazing Grace," is a powerful example of this truth. Newton was a slave trader whose life was transformed after a storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy. He later became a minister and abolitionist, his life a testament to the "transformative power of divine mercy". He understood firsthand what it means for mercy to come running. Just like the prodigal son and John Newton, we are all in need of God's grace. The good news is that no one is beyond redemption, and joy is found every time a lost soul finds their way back to God. What does it mean for you to have mercy come running? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Thank You for Joining Us at Our Gathering Service! Dear Friends and Family, We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our recent Gathering Service from South Omaha. It was truly a blessing to see both local attendees and those joining us from afar via the internet. Your presence and engagement made this event a memorable one. Our live service, broadcasted through Google Meet, was once again well received. It was uplifting to witness the community come together in worship and to share in the Word of God. The spirit of fellowship was palpable, and we are grateful for each of you who contributed to the atmosphere of love and support. We are excited to share that the audio recording of our pastor's message on "The Call and Cost of Discipleship" will be posted as soon as it becomes available. We encourage you to listen and reflect on the powerful insights shared during the service. Thank you once again for being a part of our Gathering Service. Your participation enriches our community, and we look forward to seeing you at our next event! Blessings, Jan Welch, Administrative Coordinator, CGMF
Here is our outline and follow up in our groups to the study we had this last weekend. Thanks for the groups that are, and have followed up on last weekend's Word, using this conversational guide for study in your local groups. 
🕊 Honoring Pastor John G. Nordstrom Sr.: A Life That Shaped Mine. On September 1, 2025, Pastor John Gary Nordstrom Sr. crossed the finish line of a life lived with unwavering faith, quiet strength, and deep love. For me—and for so many others—his passing marks the end of an era, but not the end of his influence. I first encountered the Nordstrom family as a sixth grader, when John Jr. helped guide me to the Lord. From that moment on, Pastor Nordstrom and his wife Phyllis welcomed me into their lives with open arms. I wasn’t just a visitor—I was family. Their home was a sanctuary of encouragement, prayer, and spiritual formation. My faith took root in their care, and it has flourished ever since. Even after I moved to Kansas, attended Texas Bible College, married, raised a family, and entered ministry myself, the Nordstroms remained a steady presence. Whether through a phone call, a handwritten note, or a quiet word of encouragement, they reminded me that I was never walking alone. Pastor Nordstrom’s life was marked by resilience. When his health failed and no church would hire a dying man, he planted one himself—Christ Community Church in Ottawa, Illinois. He preached sitting down when strength waned, and he lived out the Gospel through two kidney transplants, cancer, and heart failure. His faith was never flashy, but it was fierce. Like the three young men in Babylon, he believed God could deliver—but even if He didn’t, he would not bow. He and Phyllis were partners in every sense—66 years of love, ministry, and mutual shaping. Their children—John Jr., Paul, Philip, and Pamela—continue that legacy, each of them touching lives as their parents did. I count myself among the many blessed by their kindness, wisdom, and example. Today, my heart is full of gratitude and grief. I mourn the loss of a pastor, a mentor, and a spiritual father. But I also celebrate the life of a man who lived 30,947 days without wasting one. Pastor Nordstrom didn’t just preach the Gospel—he embodied it. To the Nordstrom family: thank you. Your love helped shape my calling. Your faith helped anchor my own. And your legacy will continue to ripple through every life you’ve touched—including mine. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” —2 Timothy 4:7 Pastor Nordstrom's Obituary.
You're Invited to Study God's Word! Covenant of Grace Ministry & Fellowship 2pm Gathering Service "Pharisees, Sadducees and Me" A Study from Matthew 16:1-12 When: Saturday, August 30th at 2:00 PM Where: St. Martin of Tours, South Omaha What We'll Explore Together: Join us as we dive into one of Jesus's most important warnings about spiritual discernment. In Matthew 16, we'll discover:
This study is for everyone - whether you're new to Bible study or have been walking with Jesus for years. We'll learn together as we examine our hearts and grow in spiritual discernment. Come as you are! Bring your Bible, your questions, and an open heart. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 402-305-5345 or 646 926-0401. **Audio of the Service will be made available as soon as possible. It will be attached to this post after editing. "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." - Matthew 16:6
**Invitation:** You are warmly invited to join us this Saturday at Covenant of Grace Ministry & Fellowship for a time of worship and spiritual growth. Our service begins at 2 PM, and we would love for you to be part of our community as we delve into the important topic of sin and its impact on our lives. If you have any questions or need more information about our service, please feel free to call us at 402-305-5345 or email us at [email protected]. You can also visit our website at cgmfinc.com for more details. **Introduction to the Message:** This Saturday, we will explore the profound and often misunderstood topic of sin. Together, we will uncover what sin truly is, how it manifests in our lives, and the ways it can separate us from the presence of God. Join us as we seek to understand the nature of sin and the hope we have in Christ. We look forward to seeing you there! The Message will be posted in its audio form when available.
You're Invited to Join Us for Bible Study!"Prosperity Without A Divine Purpose Is A Dangerous Thing"A Study from Judges 10:3-5 Dear Friends and Fellow Believers, We warmly invite you to join us as we explore one of the most relevant topics for our modern lives. In a world that often equates success with material accumulation, we'll discover what Scripture teaches us through the story of Jair, the eighth judge of Israel. What We'll Explore Together:
Scripture Focus: Judges 10:3-5 Date: August 16th,2025 Time: 2PM Location: St. Martin of Tours, South Omaha Why Attend?Join us as we examine Jair's story—a man who had thirty sons, thirty donkeys, and thirty cities, yet left no lasting spiritual impact. Through his example, we'll discover:
Light refreshments will be provided. "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" - Matthew 16:26 *Audio of the message will be made available after the meeting. Dear Covenant of Grace Ministry & Fellowship family & Friends,
I recently returned from a month-long sabbatical during which I stepped back from a majority of my duties to invest in other facets of ministry and to retool. I am back and fully immersed in our daily work at CGMF, and I will continue serving alongside Pastor Rollerson as an Associate at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the Shepherd Leaders at Covenant, especially Lead Pastor Stephen Sympkins and his dear wife, for their grace and steadfast support—your leadership made this season possible. Thank you for standing with me as we press forward together in our mission. With Thankful Heart, Rev. Patrick Vossen Founding Pastor, CGMF Lesson 3: Reclaiming Democracy Great news! The audio and notes for Lesson 3 of our series, "Reclaiming Democracy As A Moral And Spiritual Mandate," are now available. You can find everything you need right here on the blog. We pray God blesses you as you engage with the Word!
Title: “Selfless Love: A Message from the Fire & Word Conference” ( Lincoln, NE. )
Intro Paragraph: I had the profound honor of serving as the keynote speaker at the Fire & Word Conference. It was a gathering charged with worship, reflection, and a hunger for deeper truth. I ministered on the theme of ‘Selfless Love,’ drawing from Matthew 5:43–48 and 1 Corinthians 13—scriptures that call us beyond ordinary kindness into the radical love of Christ." Body Highlights:
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