Grace Bible Church

Keep Looking at Your Fish: This Sunday at 6

Jacob Hantla — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 13:22:17 +0000

Dear Student Ministries Parents,

Last Sunday evening, I taught from James 1:18–25 on A Heart Prepared to Receive the Word. James calls us to receive God’s Word humbly and become doers of what we hear. Looking intently at His Word must lead to doing His Word.

You can watch the message, listen to the audio, or read the transcript here.

If you missed it, I encourage you to listen before Sunday, perhaps together with your student. And if you were there, take some time to talk about how it should affect your Bible reading this week. What have you read? What did you learn about God? How are you responding to it? And if you have any questions, write those down and bring them Sunday.

I would love for you and your family to join us this Sunday, September 20, at 6 p.m. at the Avion Center for another evening service together with the whole church.

In Student Ministries, we have a Q&A box where the students can ask anything, so we regularly have little “Ask Pastor Jake” sessions. I’ve received quite a few questions about how to actually read the Bible, understand hard passages, and more. This Sunday, we’re going to focus on a topic I think will be helpful for all of us: “Ask Pastor Jake (and Smed): Keep looking at your fish.”

This builds on the story of Agassiz and the fish that I shared at the end of last Sunday’s lesson. It illustrates how prolonged, focused observation helps us truly understand a subject. There is nothing more worthy of that careful observation and study than God’s very Word.

Smed and I are looking forward to a fun, interactive evening where the whole church can learn alongside Student Ministries how to actually read and study the Bible. Bring your Bible and your questions!

Also for your planning: We will not gather for evening service or Student Ministries on Sunday, September 27.

Please reach out to me or your student’s discussion group leader if there is a way we can better serve your family.

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla

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Grace Bible Church Weekly Bulletin for Sunday, September 13, 2026

Grace Bible — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:00:56 +0000

This Sunday’s Equipping Hour

There is no Equipping Hour this week

This Sunday Morning Service

1 Corinthians 5:1-2; taught by Smedly Yates

10:15am at Avion Center

This Sunday Evening Service

A Heart Prepared for God’s Word; taught by Jacob Hantla

6:00pm at Avion Center

Avion Center

1733 E Northrop Blvd

Chandler, AZ 85286

Keepers of the Faith (3rd-5th grade girls) & Defenders of the Faith (3rd-5th grade boys)

Both groups meet at the Avion Center this Sunday at 6:00pm. We’d love to have your child join us! If you’re interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Sarah Shelbourn for the girls’ group at srshelbourn@gmail.com or Mike Jones for the boys’ group at mike@resoundcreative.com.

Student Ministries

Student Ministries (grades 6–12) meets at the Avion Center this Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Sunday nights include teaching, worship, and small group discussion. For more information, contact Jacob Hantla at jacob@gbcaz.org.

414

414 (college & singles under 26) meets Friday nights in local homes. Contact Ben James (ben@gbcaz.org) for more information.

September NGM Memory Verse

Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

NGM Teachers Needed

Next Generation Ministries is in need of more people to serve on Sunday mornings, on a 4-week rotation. If you are interested, please pick up an application at the info table, mark your interest on a comment card, or reach out to vincent@gbcaz.org.

No NGM This Sunday for ages 4+

There will be no NGM classes for children ages 4 and up on this Sunday. Your children are invited to join us in the main service.

Women of Grace

The next Women of Grace will be Friday, September 18, from 7:00 – 9:00 at the home of Gretchen Cheung. We will have fellowship, teaching, prayer, and dessert! For more information, please contact the office (info@gbcaz.org).

Baptism Classes

If you are interested in learning about baptism or interested in being baptized, register for the baptism class here on Church Center. Classes will run October 4-18, 9:00am-10:00am. If you have any questions, contact the church office (info@gbcaz.org).

Mom’s Group

Mom’s Group meets on non-Wellspring Wednesdays from 10:00am–12:00pm at valley parks, splash pads, and local homes. Each month includes a discussion on practical parenting topics. Moms with kids of all ages are welcome! It’s also a great opportunity for older moms to share wisdom and encouragement with younger moms. For more details, contact Katy Lee or Jill Drent at moms@gbcaz.org.

Helping Hands

Helping Hands is a ministry that provides meals to individuals and families in our church body during times of need. It’s a practical way to live out the “one anothers” of Scripture—caring for each other and bearing one another’s burdens. If you’d like to be part of this ministry and receive meal sign-up opportunities, please contact the church office at info@gbcaz.org.

Songs This Sunday

All Praise to Him
The Steadfast Love of Christ
Jesus, Thank You
Lord I Need You
Come Thou Fount

The post Grace Bible Church Weekly Bulletin for Sunday, September 13, 2026 appeared first on Grace Bible Church.

Grace Bible Church Weekly Bulletin for Sunday, September 20, 2026

Grace Bible — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:00:07 +0000

This Sunday’s Equipping Hour

There is no Equipping Hour this week

This Sunday Morning Service

1 Corinthians 5:3-5; taught by Smedly Yates

10:15am at Avion Center

This Sunday Evening Service

Ask Pastor Jake (and Smed): Keep Looking at Your Fish; taught by Jacob Hantla and Smedly Yates

6:00pm at Avion Center

Avion Center

1733 E Northrop Blvd

Chandler, AZ 85286

Keepers of the Faith (3rd-5th grade girls) & Defenders of the Faith (3rd-5th grade boys)

There is no Keepers or Defenders of the Faith this week

Student Ministries

414

414 (college & singles under 26) meets Friday nights in local homes. Contact Ben James (ben@gbcaz.org) for more information.

September NGM Memory Verse

Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”

NGM Teachers Needed

No NGM This Sunday for ages 4+

There will be no NGM classes for children ages 4 and up on this Sunday. Your children are invited to join us in the main service.

Baptism Classes

If you are interested in learning about baptism or interested in being baptized, register for the baptism class on Church Center here. Classes will run October 4-18, 9:00am-10:00am. If you have any questions, contact the church office (info@gbcaz.org).

Restoration and Church Discipline

Jesus directs the church to patiently and gently pursue its sinning believers that they may be won back from their sin. In cases where the professing Christian refuses to repent of sin, Jesus directs the church to remove the unrepentant one from the church family and fellowship. GBC practices church discipline as prescribed by its bylaws in accordance with Matt. 18:15-17, Titus 3:10, Rom. 16:17, 1 Cor. 5:9-13, and 2 Thess. 3:14. Regular attendance at GBC is considered affirmation of this biblical practice. If you have any questions regarding church discipline, please listen to our sermon titled “Your Role in Church Discipline,” located on our website here. The elders are also available to answer any questions.

Songs This Sunday

Glorious Christ
And Can It Be
Behold the Lamb
God Be Merciful to Me
He Will Hold Me Fast

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Student Ministries Kickoff Recap: How Will You Hear

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 21:10:23 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-08-17. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Dear Parents,

Last night Student Ministries finally gathered again after the summer off. It was so good to be back together. It seemed like I wasn’t the only one who was excited for Student Ministries to start again. The room was packed, and the students sang as loud as ever and were attentive through the lesson.

Music

The night began with Kris and the band leading us in worship through song. If your child has musical ability and loves the Lord, serving in the band is something I would encourage them to pursue. Kris Drent leads the students very well to think rightly about this. Please talk to Kris or reach out to kris@gbcaz.org to talk about beginning discipleship with Kris in how to think about music and service in the church.

Camp Winners

Team Redbull then dramatically hoisted their well-earned trophy from Summer Camp and placed it in our trophy case. The students watched the video remembering all the fun we had at Summer Camp. You can find the Camp Winners Only/Cow Heist Intro Video and the Summer Camp Video on YouTube. It was fun to remember camp and give God thanks for the fun we had at camp and the fun we have together each week.

How Will You Hear

Then I had the privilege of opening Matthew 13 and Jesus’ Parable of the Soils to the students. You can find the video and transcript of the message at the church website: How Will You Hear. Jesus told a story of a sower and four soils, but it is really a story of four hearts hearing the same Word. The hard heart never receives the Word, and the evil one snatches it away. The shallow heart receives it with joy but has no root, so it withers when trouble comes. The crowded heart hears the Word, but the cares of this world and desire for other things choke it out. The fruitful heart hears, understands, and bears fruit. The difference is not the Word that was sown, but the heart that received it. Jesus did not tell this parable so students would shrug and say, “I guess that’s just the kind of soil I am.” Instead, each student should plead with God to make them respond in faith before His Word. At the same time, we all must work diligently to cultivate a heart that responds rightly to God’s Word, with roots of trust and delight that go deep, bearing much fruit. I’ve summarized this prayer for Student Ministries with the acronym LUBOT. Each time before we hear a sermon or read God’s Word, we should pray that God would help us Listen, Understand, Believe, Obey, and Trust His Word.

At Home Review

Throughout the year, I will be recording and transcribing the lessons and sending out discussion guides to you. This is because I want you parents intimately connected to what we are learning in Student Ministries. Ideally, you are able to discuss what your students have learned and help them deepen their understanding and apply the lessons at home.

You can download the discussion guide with some suggested questions to help you talk through the lesson.

Bible Plan

We are also encouraging the students to have a Bible reading plan, something for them to read each and every day in a systematic way. If you are already on a plan as a family, please keep doing that. If not, I would encourage you to start with the Student Ministries bookmarks. The bookmarks follow one of the columns from the M'Cheyne reading plan. You can download the bookmarks or pick them up from the Student Ministries room Sunday night.

My family has experienced the blessing of all being on the same reading plan for years. Especially during these formative years when your child is building habits of reading the Bible, please consider joining them and reading the same thing independently in the morning for discussion and application together later in the day. As we learned in Jesus' parable, the seed of God's Word bears fruit in a prepared heart.

Snack Sign-Up

After each week’s Student Ministries lesson, parents provide snacks. This year Andie Fuller is organizing the volunteer list. If you are able, please reach out to Andie to get on that rotation.

Thank You

Thank you again for the privilege of coming alongside you as you disciple your children. We have an amazing team of volunteers who love your students and pray constantly for them. It is our joy to come alongside you in the evangelism and discipleship of your children in this ministry. If there are ways we can do this better, please reach out to me or your student’s discussion group leaders. Many of you have already done this, and I greatly appreciate it.

I look forward to seeing your students this Sunday.

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla

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Summer Camp Follow-Up and Resources

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:29:52 +0000

Dear Parents,

As I sit down to write this email and reflect on camp, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of caring for your kids, preaching the gospel to them, calling them to faith in Christ, and encouraging them in their faith. I am grateful for the fun we had together and for the chance to get to know them better.

Our staff poured their hearts into making camp as fruitful as possible: extremely fun competition, over-the-top in the best way camaraderie and team-building, and most importantly, discussion groups, one-on-one discipleship, and personal encouragement. I hope each student felt the love we have for them. Most of all, I am grateful to God. His Word is clear, applicable, convicting, and helpful. The privilege of preaching at camp and pleading with the students from Scripture is unmatched. I am amazed and grateful that God would use me and the rest of the staff in this way.

Reviewing Camp Together

Now that the students have come down the mountain, I would love for you to help them remember what they learned and apply it to their lives. To help with that, you can download the leader booklet from camp. It includes the sermon outlines, discussion questions, and most importantly, the page called “Talk to your parents when you get home.” That page has questions designed especially for family discussion.

Download the booklet PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GFrBpB06zajHpjMKtXrSovsumK1Or5cc/view?usp=sharing

This year’s camp theme was Seasoned with Salt. We took up a question our students asked at winter camp: if we are not to be companions of fools, how are we supposed to live in a world that has rejected our Savior? Across three sermons we showed that Christians do not hide from the world and do not blend into it. They are salt and light in the world for the glory of their Father (Session 1). They live among outsiders prayerfully, wisely, and graciously (Session 2). And they are ambassadors entrusted with the message of reconciliation, pleading with others to be reconciled to God (Session 3). The final sermon pressed every student with one question: what will control you when you come down the mountain? Camp emotion will not last. Resolutions to do better will not either. Only the love of Christ controlling you will keep you walking with him at home.

The sermons from camp are now online on the GBC Student Ministries website and YouTube. You can watch them or read the transcripts here:

Salt and Light (Matthew 5:13-16): https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/salt-and-light/
Pray, Walk, Speak (Colossians 4:2-6): https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/pray-walk-speak/
Reconciled Ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:14-21): https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/reconciled-ambassadors/

It would be very helpful for you to watch these so you know what your students heard and can build on it at home. If you only have time for one, I would point you to the third one. It presses every student with the question of where their heart is and what will actually control them when they get home. However, I do believe that you would benefit from watching all three; and your students would likely benefit from listening to them again.

The students were encouraged to memorize Matthew 5:13-16 and 2 Corinthians 5:21. Almost all of them did it. Have them continue to say these verses to you, and discuss how their lives should be affected as a result of God’s Word they now know.

The students also had two breakout sessions where they dug into Scripture for themselves. The first breakout is in the booklet. The second breakout involved reading and organizing verses into six categories describing what a Christian is toward outsiders: compelled by Christ’s love, humble toward outsiders, reconciled to God, set apart from the world but sent into it, entrusted with the message of reconciliation, and wise and gracious under pressure. It would be helpful to look through those verses and categories together. You might consider memorizing, or at least discussing, one verse from each category as a family.

You may also have heard about the fun we had at camp. We will share pictures and videos soon. In the meantime, you may enjoy watching the intro video for the camp games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7rHiuJf0iw. The competition was really fun, and I want to congratulate the Red Team (Red Bull) for winning. This year stood out because everyone competed hard with great sportsmanship and an encouraging attitude.

Summer Plans

Student Ministries is taking a break for the summer. We will be back together in August. Watch your email for updates on the exact restart date.

I will continue praying that God would bear fruit in the students’ lives this summer. Our goal is to come alongside you in the evangelism and discipleship of your students. I pray we served you well in that, and that making these resources available helps you in this partnership.

If you have anything you would like to discuss or communicate, please reach out to me or your child’s discussion leader.

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla

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Camp Memory Verses

Jacob Hantla — Tue, 26 May 2026 09:30:06 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-05-26. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Parents,

One more quick camp note: students have two memory passages they can work on before camp.

The short memory verse is 2 Corinthians 5:21. The longer memory passage is Matthew 5:13-16. They can memorize in their version of choice (just make sure they know which version that is).

These will help prepare them for camp because two of the messages will focus on these passages. They are also guaranteed points for their team if they arrive with them memorized.

Please have them start working on the verses now, and even consider working on them together as a family. With almost two weeks, they could really own these passages in their long-term memory, which will pay dividends at camp and, Lord willing, for their entire lives.

Thank you for helping them prepare!

Your servant for His glory,
-Jacob

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Student Ministries Update: Camp Teams, Camp Theme, and Final Sunday

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 25 May 2026 20:35:35 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-05-25. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Dear Parents-
With only two weeks left before camp and our summer break, we had a fun-filled evening at Student Ministries.

Summer Camp Teams
After introducing the new 6th graders, we announced the team colors for camp. Jonathan Kellso made a super fun video to introduce it. I know a number of people were out of town for the holiday weekend; it would be fun to have them watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS4H77fFXBc

[Camp team roster omitted from this public archive.]

We announced the teams in advance this year so that it is easier for the kids and leaders to plan their team “swag”. The idea is that they would be able to prepare low- and no-cost things to bring to camp that won’t be overly distracting but will show their team spirit. This would include clothes and hats and glasses in their team colors. Some teams might make posters or extra accessories. If you have any questions about this, please direct questions to your students’ team leader (different from their discussion leader). It's going to be fun.

Seasoned with Salt
This year’s camp theme will be Seasoned with Salt (Col 4:6 & Matt 5:13ff), speaking to the way that Christians are fundamentally different from non-believers, and their interactions with the world should evidence that difference like salt in a meal or light in a dark room. In preparation for that I shared my prayer for the students that aligns closely with Paul’s for the Colossian believers from Colossians 1:9-14. My ongoing prayer is that God would use all of our efforts to fill these students with a knowledge of God’s will that they might live lives pleasing to Him. This must start with salvation, but must not end there. I pray that they would bear fruit in every good work, increase in knowledge of God, be strengthened to endure with joy, and would give thanks to the Father especially for His saving work in the gospel. You can watch or read that short message here: https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/prayer-to-please-the-lord/

Next week – Last Week of Student Ministries
Next week is the last week of Student Ministries before camp. It will be a night for our senior students to share with the others in a retrospective look back at what God has taught them and how He has grown them through their time. I’m sure it will be encouraging for all. I will be interviewing them and helping the rest of us listening to learn from and grow from their experience, giving God glory for what He has done in them.

The second half of the meeting will be spent in teams. I particularly love the summer camp teams because it is where the older students and the younger students get to interact. It’s a perfect follow-up to hearing from the older students. Your students are encouraged, but not required, to dress with team colors this Sunday. Even if your student isn’t going to camp, it will still be a very worthwhile Sunday meeting.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. You will be hearing more about camp this week and next as we finalize all the details.

Your servant for His glory,
-Jacob

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Last Week of Camp Signup & Prayer Breakout Session

Jacob Hantla — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:23:44 +0000

Dear Parents of Student Ministries-

This is the very last week to signup for Summer Camp. Please take the time to go sign up right now. If cost is a reason you would not be able to sign up, please indicate that at signup time. There have been individuals at church who do want to help ensure that all students can attend camp.

Signing up is quick and easy. Just follow this link.

Prayer Breakout Session
This week at student ministries, the students got to build on our learning about prayer as we continue to make our way through the topics of the Fundamentals of the Faith.

Each discussion group got to work through a handout on prayer, where they could look up passages and reflect on how God’s Word should inform and affect their prayer. Most groups did not have enough time to complete the handouts. In the next two weeks that they have off student ministries, I believe that it would be fruitful time, well-spent for you to work with your student through the rest of their handout, Bibles open together.

You can find the notetaking handouts here.

Next Two Weeks Off
Student Ministries will not meet for the next two Sundays. This Sunday, please join the whole church together for a parenting round table discussion with a number of elders. Your students are encouraged to join, to hear from the elders of topics of parenting (and kids’ responsibility to obey and support their parents’ aims). The week after is Mother’s Day, and we will not be meeting to allow families time to honor and celebrate mothers together.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you by caring for your students. As the year winds down, please ensure that you have signed up for camp. And please be faithful and diligent to pray for this ministry and the many hearts we seek to care for.

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Student Ministries Plans Through Summer Camp

Jacob Hantla — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:25:33 +0000

Dear Parents of Student Ministries,

The Student Ministries schedule is a little unusual over the next month, so I wanted to send a quick note to clarify it. The students will be back together this Sunday from 6:00-7:30 p.m., and we only have four more gatherings before Summer Camp.

4/26: Meet as usual, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
5/3: Off for the Parenting Roundtable
5/10: Off for Mother’s Day
5/17: We meet
5/24: We meet, and the new 6th graders join us
5/31: We meet, and this will be our last Student Ministries gathering before camp

Summer Camp
Please make sure to sign up for Summer Camp soon. Registration closes next Sunday. You can register here: https://gbcaz.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3538708

Student Ministries Website
I also want to remind you, or let you know if you were not aware, about the Student Ministries website: https://www.gbcaz.org/ministries/student-ministries/

Please bookmark it. There you can find links to the sermons, videos, and transcripts. I also post most parent emails there so you can stay up to date on Student Ministries even if you miss an email.

Your servant for His glory,

Jacob Hantla
480-241-3769 | jacob@gbcaz.org

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April Schedule & Message Recap (Life In the Vine)

Jacob Hantla — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:22:37 +0000

Dear Parents of Student Ministries,

First off, for scheduling purposes, April is an odd month.

4/5 – This Easter Sunday: No Student Ministries.
4/12 – Student Ministries meets as normal.
4/19 – 25th Anniversary Sunday: No Student Ministries.
4/26 – Student Ministries meets as normal.

Last night, Kris Drent shared a very important message entitled “Life In the Vine” from John 15:1–11. You can watch or read the message on our website: https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/life-in-the-vine/

Kris started the message by saying that if he only had one chance to talk to the students, this would be the message he would bring.

The central challenge was simple but critical for every one of us to consider: Which kind of branch are you? Jesus identifies only two kinds: (1) those genuinely connected to him, bearing fruit the Father produces in them, and (2) those who are externally around the vine but drawing no real life from it. Kris unpacked what it means for Jesus’ followers to abide in him. It entails not striving to manufacture fruit through religious performance or sheer willpower, but staying connected to Christ through his Word, trust, and daily dependence. He also explained why the Father’s pruning in hard seasons is evidence of life, salvation, and relationship, not punishment. It is critical for students and all of us to realize that we can do nothing apart from Jesus, especially bear fruit, which depends entirely on the true Vine. The good news is that though a dead branch cannot make itself alive, Christ’s death and resurrection offers real, joyful life to anyone willing to trust and abide in him.

I’d encourage you to discuss weekly what your students have learned from the Sunday morning sermon, their Student Ministries lesson, and their daily time in the Word. It is our joy to come alongside you in the evangelism and discipleship of your students. That truly is the purpose of the ministry — not something you send your students to so that we train them, but rather a group of servants who partner with you and support you as the church in fulfilling your God-given responsibility to train up your children. It is amazing to watch God work miraculously to bring new life to many in this ministry. We labor and pray to be faithful servants that the Holy Spirit would be pleased to use in this way.

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla

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Why Christians Sing

Jacob Hantla — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:18:04 +0000

On Sunday, Kris Drent came to the Student Ministries and taught on why Christians sing. Singing is something that we do nearly every time the church gathers—nearly every time that student ministries gathers. So it is important that we understand why we do it and what we are doing when we sing. Krist did a great job with this.

From passages such as Psalm 96, Psalm 103, and Colossians 3, Kris taught that when the church sings, it works in several important directions at once: upward in worship to God because He is worthy, outward as a testimony to unbelievers, inward by shaping our own hearts with truth, and toward one another by teaching and encouraging fellow believers.

You can find the sermon video and a transcript at the Student Ministries webpage: https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/why-we-sing/

Upcoming Meeting
We will meet again this Sunday 3/29 at 6pm, and Kris will teach a followup to this message.

It is such an important message. I strongly encourage you to review what your students learned and even listen/watch it yourself.

Your servant for His glory,
-Jacob Hantla

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Important Announcements & God the Holy Spirit

Jacob Hantla — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:12:26 +0000

Parents of Student Ministries-

I want to start this email with a few important announcements and dates you need to know:

Summer Camp Plans

Summer camp will be June 5-7 in Prescott. Please ensure that these dates are on your calendar. We plan on leaving early Friday, June 5, and returning in the afternoon on Sunday, June 7.

Upcoming Student Ministries

This Sunday (3/15), we will not have our regular Student Ministries gathering. Instead, plan on attending GBC in the park at Tumbleweed Park at 6pm.

The next two Sundays, 3/22 and 3/29, Student Ministries will gather as normal and have the privilege of Kris Drent teaching the sessions. From there the Student Ministries schedule is weird so I want to lay it out for your reference:

4/5: No meeting due to Easter
4/12 Meet as usual
4/19 No meeting due to GBC 25th anniversary
4/26 Meet as usual
5/3 No meeting due to parenting roundtable evening service
5/10 No meeting due to mother’s day
5/17 Meet as usual
5/24 Meet as usual
5/31 Last meeting before camp.

It’s amazing how quickly this year is rushing by. I feel like each gathering with these students is precious. We try to make the most of the sessions, the content taught, and the time together in discussion groups.

God the Holy Spirit

On Sunday, we continued our Fundamentals of the Faith series. We have learned about God’s Word, about the attributes of God, about Jesus and salvation through His death. It was important to not neglect the third Person of the Trinity, God the Holy Spirit.

We focused on who the Holy Spirit actually is according to Scripture. He is not a force, not an experience, but God Himself, the third Person of the Trinity. We worked through the Bible’s teaching that God is three distinct Persons, yet one God, and that all true believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit from the moment of salvation. We also considered what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Not that a Christian gets more or less of the Holy Spirit, but that the Holy Spirit increasingly controls and governs the believer’s life. A major emphasis of the lesson was that the normal work of the Holy Spirit is not spectacle or confusion, but the production of godliness, obedience, thankfulness, truth-filled speech, and Christlike character. And for of us who are Christians, who have God Himself in the Holy Spirit in us, we must glorify God in our bodies. I challenged the students to think carefully about whether they are walking by the Spirit, putting off what feeds the flesh, and pursuing a life increasingly shaped by God’s Word.

You can go to our website and watch the YouTube video of the message or review the transcript.

So many students shared that they learned much about who God is and had their thinking corrected about the Holy Spirit and the critical role He plays in the believer’s life. Please take the time over the next few weeks to speak with your students about what they’ve been learning in Student Ministries this year. You may find it helpful to use the Fundamentals of the Faith workbook to study as a family to dig deeper and study these important truths in your home.

Leading Student Ministries—coming alongside the amazing staff and you parents in the care, evangelism, and discipleship of these students—is one of the greatest privileges and joys in my life. Thank you for entrusting me and the rest of the staff with this. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s discussion group leader or me about any way we can be a great support.

Your servant for His glory,
-Jacob Hantla

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Winter Camp Follow-Up & Resources for Your Students

Jacob Hantla — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 17:57:56 +0000

Dear Student Ministry Parents,

Now that we’re nearly one week out from Student Ministries Winter Camp, I’d like to direct your attention to the recordings and resources available to reinforce the lessons your students learned.

Visit our Student Ministries resource page to listen, watch, or read the camp lessons: Student Ministries Resource Page

During camp, students participated in a special breakout session exploring many Scripture verses about friendship and influence. These verses can be accessed and printed here: Friendship & Influence Verses

Encourage your student to select a few verses to memorize. They can use the printed cards they created for their poster board, post them around their room or bathroom, or make flashcards. The goal is to identify verses that impacted (or should impact) them significantly and deeply embed these truths in their hearts through meditation and memorization. Detailed instructions from this session are available in the recording or the camp notebook.

Additionally, students raised many important questions during our Q&A session with Jackson, Kris, and myself. Topics ranged from salvation and assurance to friendships, self-harm, betrayal, and evangelism. A timestamped transcript and recording of the session are available here: Winter Camp Q&A Session

Student Ministries Meets Tomorrow. We will gather again tomorrow, March 1, from 6:00–7:30 pm.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob

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Jesus’ Love for His Friends

Jacob Hantla — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 18:28:10 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-02-17. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

On Sunday, I taught from John 15:12–15. We heard Jesus call His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, as His friends. As we prepare to leave on Friday for a camp centered on the theme of “friendship,” I thought it would be helpful to explore this stunning and remarkable section of Scripture about the most important and unique friendship we could ever have.

In this passage, Jesus says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.” We considered carefully what that means. Obedience is not the cause of friendship with Jesus, but the evidence of it. Jesus lays down His life for His friends, and those who truly belong to Him increasingly reflect His love in the way they obey and love one another.

You can watch or read that message on the church website here:

https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/jesus-love-for-his-friends/

This Friday we will be leaving for camp. Please check your email for a message sent yesterday from Melissa entitled, “Winter Camp Information – Please Read Carefully.”

We will not have Student Ministries this Sunday, as we will just be returning from camp in the afternoon. We will gather again as normal the following Sunday, 3/1.

Thank you for the privilege of coming alongside you in the care, discipleship, and evangelism of your students.

Your servant for His glory,

Jacob Hantla

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Sunday Summary & Looking Forward to Camp

Jacob Hantla — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:43:22 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-02-11. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

We had a wonderful evening together this past Sunday! During the Super Bowl halftime, I introduced our upcoming camp topic—a biblical view of friendships—focusing specifically on Proverbs 13:20: "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

Moving forward, I'd like to emphasize Bible memory for the remainder of the year. I shared from Psalm 1:1-3 as the biblical foundation for this emphasis.

Winter Camp Preparation: To reinforce these lessons, students need to memorize two passages before winter camp:

Required: Proverbs 13:20 (any version; students will earn points for their teams).
Extra Credit: Psalm 1:1-3.

Upcoming Schedule:

Regular student ministries evening: Sunday, February 15, at 6:00 pm.
Departure for Winter Camp: Friday, February 20, at 4:00 pm. Watch your inbox for additional camp details, including necessary waivers.

Serving you for His glory,

Jacob Hantla

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Homework for Student Ministries From Sunday

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:52:47 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-01-26. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Last night at Student MInistries we had a Q&A on the question "Can young children be saved?" Then each group split to spend about 50 minutes looking up verses to better understand what the Bible teaches on the salvation.

Some groups finished that worksheet; some did not. It would be wonderful reinforcement to go through their worksheet with them, and to finish it with them over the next two weeks if their group was unable to complete it.

You can find a downloadable/printable copy of the worksheet here.

You can find the Q&A, as with all lessons, on our website: https://www.gbcaz.org/ministries/student-ministries/

Next Sunday, we will not gather for Student Ministries. Instead, for evening service we are planning an all-church family evening with worship through song.

For your planning here is the upcoming Student Ministry schedule

2/1: All church evening service (no Student Ministries)
2/8: Student Ministries Super Bowl Party (with half-time lesson) from 4:15-Game end
2/15: 6:00-7:30 PM As usual
2/22: Return from camp (No Student Ministries)
3/1: 6:00-7:30 PM As usual
3/8: 6:00-7:30 PM As usual
3/15: All Church (No student Ministries)…

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob Hantla

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Important Announcements & Whose Righteousness Do You Trust?

Jacob Hantla — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:28:47 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-01-21. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

This week in Student Ministries we studied Jesus’s parable in Luke 18 about the Pharisee and the tax collector, focusing on the central question: Whose righteousness do we trust? The students were challenged to see that every person is trusting in either their own righteousness or in Christ’s righteousness, and that the difference between the two is the critical distinction at work in salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. We touched on key biblical concepts like righteousness, justification, and propitiation, showing that God does not accept us because we are “better than others” or meet a standard of righteousness on our own or because of religious behavior, but only because Jesus took our place and satisfied God’s righteous judgment and imputes His perfect righteousness to those who call on Him. The tax collector, who knew he had nothing to offer God, went home justified because he depended entirely on God’s mercy, while the outwardly religious Pharisee trusted in himself and went home unchanged, unrighteous, and unreconciled to God.

A helpful way of following up at home is to help your student see where they might be trusting in their own righteousness or to encourage them to more completely trust in Christ's righteousness alone. The cry of the Christian isn't "I cleaned myself up" or. "I'm better than another" but rather, "God, be merciful (propitious) to me, a sinner." Listen for how your kids talk about being “good,” comparing themselves to others, or assuming God is pleased with them because of behavior, church involvement, or family background. Gently redirect those moments toward the gospel by reinforcing that Christians don’t come to God cleaned up, but honest, dependent, and trusting wholly in Jesus’s righteousness, not their own. Encourage open conversations about sin, repentance, and faith.

The message can be found at our website. Our discussion guide to help in discussion groups and to help parents interact with this can be found here.

This Sunday we will be back together and working in discussion groups through verses to help the students better understand what the Bible teaches about salvation. So please join us this Sunday at 6-7:30 pm.

Camp
As a reminder, camp registration ends this week. Please sign up today. If finances are a challenge, please know that we have individuals in the body who want to help make sure that no students who want to go to camp are left out due to the price. So sign up anyway and indicate that you need financial help or reach out to melissa@gbcaz.org. Camp will be February 20-22nd in Prescott.

Upcoming Schedule
For your planning here is the upcoming Student Ministry schedule

1/25: 6:00-7:30 PM As usual
2/1: All church evening service (no Student Ministries)
2/8: Student Ministries Super Bowl Party (with half-time lesson) from 4:15-Game end
2/15: 6:00-7:30 PM As usual
2/22: Return from camp (No Student Ministries)
3/1: 6:00-7:30 PM As usual
3/8: 6:00-7:30 PM As usual
3/15: All Church (No student Ministries)…

Thank you for this privilege of coming alongside you in evangelizing and discipling you students.

You servant for His glory,
-Jacob

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Preparing to Hear Psalm 51 Together

Jacob Hantla — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:54:16 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2026-01-09. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Dear Parents,

Student Ministries resumes this Sunday, January 11, from 6:00–7:30 PM.

For our first gathering of the new year, rather than our typical lesson, we will join together as a church family to hear Smedly preach from Psalm 51. This Psalm powerfully captures David’s confession and repentance after Nathan confronted him regarding his sin with Bathsheba and his orchestration of her husband Uriah’s death. It is an essential passage for every believer to deeply understand, and I'm eager for both students and parents alike to benefit from Smedly’s preaching.

After the sermon, from 7:00–7:30, students will break into their discussion groups. We encourage parents to stay during this time for fellowship and connection with other families.

If you and your student missed last week's evening service, I highly recommend listening to or watching it together here:https://www.gbcaz.org/sermon/david-the-man-after/

In that message, Smedly provided the crucial background from 2 Samuel 11–12, laying the groundwork for Psalm 51. Watching or listening to the sermon as a family would be excellent preparation for this Sunday.

In subsequent weeks, we will return to our regular Student Ministries format, continuing our study through "Fundamentals of the Faith."

Looking forward to seeing you all Sunday!

Your servant for His glory,
Jacob

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Ask Pastor Jake, Winter Camp, and December Plans

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 16:09:33 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2025-12-01. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Dear Parents,

Last night we completed our final Student Ministries meeting for 2025! It's been a fun semester. I think the students have grown a lot. I know God has grown me and some leaders through it as well.

Last night, after a game and some worship through song, I tried my best to answer three of the students' questions before the students went to discussion groups:

I have a desire to serve by playing the piano and glorify God within the church but don't know if I'm ready to serve in something so important?
How does the human body sweat blood like in Luke 22:44?
If Jesus completed his work on the cross in 3 hours why was He in the grave for 3 days?

You can watch the "Ask Pastor Jake" recording on YouTube or read/watch it on our website.

Camp Registration
Winter camp is scheduled for February 20-22, 2026. Registration opens today! Please take the time to sign up now if you are planning on attending.

Christmas Party
Our Christmas party will be held Saturday, December 20 from 6 to 9 pm at Josh Peñas’ home: [private address omitted]. There will be a time of singing, lots of fun and games, s'mores, dinner, and an ugly sweater contest. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending.

Student Ministries Resumes January 11th
Student Ministries will not gather for the month of December. We will resume our normal Sunday evening meetings on January 11th. We will continue to have Sunday evening gatherings as a church. We hope that you and your family are able to attend those, continuing to fellowship and be bulit up as the church body.

Your servant for His glory,
-Jacob Hantla

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Work of Christ, Mosquitoes, and Omnipresence in the Incarnation

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:15:14 +0000

We have only one more Student Ministries meeting left in 2025, this Sunday, November 30.

After that, on Saturday, December 20 from 6 to 9 pm, we will hold our Christmas Party at Josh Peñas’ home.

We will resume our Sunday evening gatherings on January 11.

Sunday’s Lesson

Last night the majority of our time was spent in discussion groups, where the students read passages on “The Work of Christ” and answered questions from the text. You can download the worksheet and review it with them. As a reminder, we are working through chapters of the very helpful book Fundamentals of the Faith, finishing chapter 5. Working through the workbook as a family would be an excellent way to deepen your own grasp of basic Christian doctrine and to disciple your students in these foundational truths.

Ask Pastor Jake: Mosquitoes and Omnipresence

Before breaking for discussion groups, I answered two questions from our Q&A box. One was lighthearted, and the other addressed a significant Christian doctrine:

Why did God create mosquitoes?
Did Jesus set aside any of His attributes, such as omnipresence, when He became man?

You can read, listen to, or watch the answers on our website.

The students continue to ask thoughtful questions, and they are submitting them faster than I can answer them. As we close out our final meeting this Sunday, I will work to address several more of the questions prompted by our discussions this year.

Thank you for the privilege of coming alongside you in the care, evangelism, and discipleship of your students. I do not take this trust lightly, and neither do the many staff who love this ministry and the families we serve. Please let us know if there is any way we can serve you better.

Your servant for His glory,

Jacob Hantla

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Christ Our Substitute (APJ: Sinner’s Prayer)

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 23:17:05 +0000

Dear parents of Student Ministries,

We had such a sweet evening of teaching and discussion last night. Moving on into chapter 5 of Fundamentals of the Faith, we are now learning about “The Work of Christ.” We focused specifically on the work of Jesus as the believer’s substitute from 1 Peter 2:24 and 3:18. I also worked to answer a question that I have received in our Q&A box from a few different students regarding the necessity and effectiveness of “the sinner’s prayer.”

The main point that I emphasized regarding whether or not “the sinner’s prayer” saves was that salvation isn’t found in simply praying the right words or performing religious rituals. Instead, salvation is fully and completely the work of Christ alone, by grace alone, through faith alone—not by works or words. While a genuine prayer expressing faith often naturally accompanies salvation, we saw the variation of ways in which saving faith was expressed through Scripture. I walked them through some vivid biblical examples like the sinful woman forgiven by Jesus, the paralytic whose sins Jesus forgave, the humble tax collector pleading for mercy, and the thief on the cross. Each one was saved by genuine faith and trust in Jesus, not by saying certain words or doing religious activities.

For the main sermon on Jesus as the believer’s substitute, we looked closely at 1 Peter 2:24 and 3:18. Each passage teaches how Jesus bore our sins and God’s wrath as our substitute, fully accomplishing our salvation and bringing us to God. A number of students shared with me and their leaders that they heard and understood the critical gospel truth of Jesus bearing our sins completely.

You can access the sermon outline and discussion guide. Also, there is a transcript and recording of the message on our website: https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/jesus-our-substitute-apj-the-sinners-prayer/. I apologize that the microphone didn’t connect, so the audio quality isn’t optimal. Nevertheless, I’d really encourage you to discuss with your students what they learned and how this truth must affect their lives. You cannot watch Christ die in our place, bearing away our sins, and remain apathetic or uninterested. Leon Morris said it well: “To put it bluntly and plainly, if Christ is not my Substitute, I still occupy the place of a condemned sinner. If my sins and my guilt are not transferred to Him, if He did not take them upon Himself, then surely they remain with me. If He did not deal with sins, I must face their consequences. If my penalty was not borne by Him, it still hangs over me.”

I’d encourage you to keep talking with your kids about these truths, pleading with them to turn to Jesus or helping them rest their confidence fully on Christ’s finished work and not on their own efforts or performance.

Student Ministries Park Day

This Saturday (11/22), please plan to have your student join us from 3–5 p.m. at Chuparosa Park. We will have ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and any other games you bring.

Plans for Remainder of 2025

Next Sunday (11/23) and 11/30 we will be back together at Grace Bible Church from 6–7:30 for Student Ministries as normal. In the month of December we will not gather except for the Christmas party on 12/20 from 6–9 p.m. at Josh Peña’s home.

Thank you for the privilege that you have entrusted to me and the other leaders, to come alongside you in caring for, evangelizing, and discipling your students.

Your servant for His glory,

–Jacob Hantla

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Run with Endurance (and Crushes, Dating, and Marriage)

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 18:00:20 +0000

Dear Parents,

Last night at Student Ministries, we built upon the message I preached to the whole church in the morning. We particularly focused on how the command to “run with endurance” (Hebrews 12:1–3) requires intentional application. We will not run with endurance accidentally; instead, we must actively pursue the means God has provided—laying aside weights and sins and fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Our discussion groups considered how this command impacts three specific areas:

Our Response to the Gospel: Believing genuinely and avoiding legalism.
Our Time in the Word: Seeking to know Christ deeply and understanding what pleases God.
Our Lives: Recognizing we’re not called to isolate from the world but to live distinctly as we run our race within it.

Crushes, Dating, and Marriage

As I’ve sought to faithfully address students‘ questions from our Q&A box, it’s evident that a significant portion continues to focus on dating and marriage. Last night, I opened our lesson by addressing these important topics from a biblical perspective.

You can watch the lesson or read the transcript on our website: Crushes, Dating, and Marriage: Run with Endurance.

It’s crucial, especially with sensitive topics like these, that the Student Ministries leadership team and I support and encourage your authority as parents. Our goal is to come alongside you in the evangelism and discipleship of your students. Please reach out to me directly if there are specific topics or concerns you’d like us to address. Additionally, your students are in discussion groups led by committed individuals who love, pray for, and personally engage with them. Please make effort to interact directly with these leaders as well. Our desire is to complement your leadership, not replace it.

Upcoming Events

As the next couple of months typically become quite busy, here are some key events to note:

November 22, 3:00–5:00 pm: Student Ministries at Chuparosa Park. Activities include ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and other games at the Honeysuckle Pavilion. All are welcome! Contact the Hauptmans for questions.
December 20, 6:00–9:00 pm: Christmas Party at Joshua Peña’s home. Students will enjoy dinner, worship through song, games, and an ugly sweater contest.
February 20–22: Winter Camp at UCYC in Prescott. More details coming soon.

Your servant for His glory,

Jacob Hantla

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Costumed Gathering This Friday @6pm & Student Ministries Update

Jacob Hantla — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:56:00 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2025-10-28. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Dear Parents,

You may have heard that all of Student Ministries is invited to a costumed hangout on October 31, starting at 6:00 pm at the Yates' driveway. If you're able, please bring finger foods to share and candy to pass out. Parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy fellowship as well.

On Sunday night, Student Ministries primarily focused on breakout discussion groups. In these groups, students learned about the person of Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man. Our discussion guide and related verses came from Chapter 4 of Fundamentals of the Faith. You can download the guide here: Download Discussion Guide. Included are verses and questions designed specifically for follow-up discussions at home with parents.

We will continue working through Fundamentals of the Faith throughout this year in Student Ministries. I strongly encourage your family to engage with this material at home as well if you haven't already started. The workbook will be featured as November's book of the month and can be obtained at the booktable.

Additionally, we had an "Ask Pastor Jake" Q&A session about modern-day miracles and sign gifts. You can view the corporate portion of this gathering on our website: Watch Q&A Session.

I look forward to seeing many of you this Friday evening at 6 at the Yates' home. Then on Sunday, as usual, we will meet from 6:00-7:30 pm.

If there are any specific ways the Student Ministries staff or I can support you and your family, please don't hesitate to connect with me or the discussion leaders.

Your servant for His glory,

Jacob Hantla

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Approach Holy God Only As He Commands and Provides

Jacob Hantla — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 22:28:21 +0000

Dear Parents—

The students learned last time we met about the attributes of our holy God. Yesterday, I used the vivid story of Nadab and Abihu from Leviticus 9 and 10 to help the students better understand God’s holiness and what is required to approach Him. We emphasized a repeated biblical theme: Sinful people can only approach a holy God in the exact ways He commands and provides. Following the narrative from Exodus to Leviticus, we noted the repeated phrase “as Yahweh commanded.” The only way sinful people can approach a holy God and not be consumed is through the means God commands and provides. For Israel in the wilderness, God gave very specific, bloody instructions (shadows of Jesus’ better, once-for-all cleansing blood) that the Levites needed to follow in order to be set apart and not die in God’s holy presence. Now for us, Jesus is clear when he says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6).

We then compared Yahweh’s acceptance of the sacrifice offered exactly as He commanded at the end of Leviticus 9 to the sobering example of Nadab and Abihu at the start of Leviticus 10. These two sons of Aaron attempted to approach God in a way He had not commanded nor provided, resulting in immediate, fiery judgment. God’s reason for judgment was clear: “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3).This powerfully demonstrates that God’s holiness is both good and dangerous. We must recognize His holiness and treat Him accordingly. Ultimately, we connected this Old Testament story to the New Testament truth that God has not changed and Jesus Christ is our perfect and sufficient sacrifice. Only He allows us to approach God, and through His blood we can approach confidently (Hebrews 10:19ff). Students were encouraged to recognize the seriousness of God’s holiness, to beware of casually approaching God on their own terms, and to trust completely in Jesus, who alone gives us secure and joyful access to the Father.

Many students appeared quite affected by the lesson. I encourage you to talk to them about it. You can watch or read it on our website: https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/approach-holy-god-only-as-he-commands-and-provides/

Use questions like the following to ensure understanding and draw out an appropriate response:

Why was it “dangerous” for God to dwell in the Tabernacle
What was the purpose of all the sacrifices in Ex 40-Lev 9?
Why did Nadab and Abihu die? What lesson do you need to learn from their mistake and deaths?
What should have been the response of those who saw God’s acceptance of the sacrifice with fire and then rejecting Nadab and Abihu with fire? What should your response be?
What blood-way did God provide for us to approach Him? Why can the believer have confidence and full assurance drawing through by this way? (Heb 10:19-23)
What happens to those who try to draw near to God apart from the way He provided (blood of Jesus (Heb 10:19)?
What is the most life-impacting thing that you learned today?

The other servant leaders and I recognize that it is an amazing blessing and privilege to teach and lead these students. Thank you for allowing us the privilege of coming alongside you in the evangelism and discipleship of your students. If there is any way I can better support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Your servant for His glory,

Jacob Hantla

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Our Holy God’s Attributes

Jacob Hantla — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:45:14 +0000

Originally emailed to Student Ministries families on 2025-10-07. Event dates and schedules below refer to that time.

Dear Parents,

We had a great time together in Student Ministries on Sunday evening.

The students learned a new song, His Glory and My Good. Kris encouraged them to find and listen to it (Apple Music | Spotify).

The students have been asking quite a few good questions, dropping them in our Q&A box. I'm trying to be diligent in answering them. I've begun doing a question or two at the beginning of our lesson. This week I answered a question that came up multiple times about how we know which books are supposed to be in the Bible, and whether we can trust our English translations.

Then we moved onto a lesson based on chapter 3 of Fundamentals of the Faith on God's attributes. It's not too late for you to get a copy and start working through the workbook together as a family. I am certain that the time invested in rooting your family in these fundamental doctrines will be worth it for both you and your student. Working through this resource together will help establish and strengthen your family's faith.

We didn't have time to cover all of God's attributes, but we started with God's holiness—His unique, morally pure "otherness." From there, we established the biblical basis and implications arising from our holy God's eternality, omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience, and righteous justice.

If a holy, eternal, all-present, all-knowing, all-powerful God is perfectly just, we would be right to cry out with Isaiah, our sinfulness exposed, "Woe is me, for I am undone!" But praise be to God that these perfect attributes are paired with a holy love. At the cross, holy justice and holy love meet. The cross is the only way a God with all these perfect attributes could bring His creatures to Himself. Holy justice and holy love meet without compromise: God justly poured out His wrath on Jesus, and Jesus' righteousness is credited to those who believe.

Ask your students: What do they remember from Sunday? What impacted them? How should their lives be affected? You can watch, listen to, or read the message on our website or YouTube.

Small group discussion questions:

What does it mean that God is Holy?
Why did Isaiah fall down and say, "Woe is me!" when he saw God? (Isaiah 6:5; Hebrews 4:13)
How should the holiness and other attributes of God affect you? (Help guide them toward answers like: revere and worship God, fear God, obey God, trust God. This is a good brainstorming discussion, but make sure answers don't stay theoretical—realize this God is real and our lives should be genuinely affected.)
Do you ever think of God as more like you and me (human-like) than who He really is? How? What is the solution to that?
Why is it important to know the attributes of God? Keep in mind there are many more attributes than those we covered. (Jeremiah 9:23–24; John 17:3)
What questions do you have? (Drop them in our Q&A box next time.)

Reminder: We will not have Student Ministries this Sunday, 10/12. Instead, please plan to bring your family to the all-church grillout—GBC in the Park—at 6 pm. Please don't consider this a night off to be alone, but a night to be together with your church family. The last time we did this was one of the highlights of my year. I look forward to seeing you there.

We will be back together for Student Ministries as usual the following Sunday, 10/19.

Your servant for His glory,
-Jacob Hantla

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