Dear Friends,
On August 13, 2009, I was driving from Chicago to Michigan. I was listening to a message from Dr. Larry Crabb as I drove. He was a professor at Colorado Christian University, a clinical psychologist who became a Christian counselor, and the author of more than 25 books. He had spoken earlier that summer to some of the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ at a staff training event, and friends had recommended I review his message.
Twice during my drive from St. Joe Michigan to Niles Michigan, I had to pull my car over to the side of the road to write down statements I heard Dr. Crabb make. Both were categorical and absolute. I wrote them down so I could reflect and ponder. And I’m still reflecting and pondering 15 years later.
“Only two things have ever changed the human heart,” Dr. Crabb said. “The fall of man. And the grace of God.”
Think about that for a minute. We can use discipline to change behavior. We can use persuasion to bring about a change in convictions. But the human heart – the wellspring of life, according to Proverbs, can only be changed by one of two things.
Sin. Or grace. The heart either wants what it wants or it wants what God wants. And it’s only by God’s grace that we ever move from a self-centered, self-focused approach to life to a place where God’s glory and His purposes matter more to us than our own agenda or appetites or passions or desires.
There are best-selling books that are promoted as “life changing.” Lots of motivational speakers or life coaches promise “transformation.” And while there are lots of ways to motivate someone to adjust their behavior, there is only one way for a human heart to be truly changed. The grace of God at work in a person’s life.
Here’s the second thing I wrote down that day that I heard Dr. Crabb say.
“If you don’t see the gospel as the answer to your problem, you don’t understand the problem.”
When I heard him say that, I thought to myself “is that really true? Is the gospel really the answer to every problem we face in life?”
Fifteen years of pondering, and I’m still convinced as I was that day that Dr. Crabb was right.
Most of the time, when we start looking at our problem – whatever the problem is – we are looking at the symptoms. Dig a few layers deeper, and you’ll uncover the gospel issue that is behind whatever the problem is.
Why are their fights and quarrels among us? According to the book of James, it’s because when we don’t get what we want, we bite and devour each other. It’s a heart issue.
Why is there poverty or sickness or injustice or racism or oppression in our world? Because people love power and position more than they love Jesus.
Why are we plagued with anxieties or fears or worry or despondency? You see how this works, right?
If you don’t see Jesus and the gospel as the answer to whatever the problem is, you haven’t looked carefully or deeply enough at the problem. There’s a spiritual core at the center. Keep digging.
I’ll give you one more Larry Crabb quote for you to ponder and reflect on.
“Our core problem is not that we are too passionate about bad things. It’s that we are not passionate enough about good things.”
I have some thoughts about that. But I’m going to let them percolate for a while.
I shared with you last week the good news about Charlotte Zoe Hutsell who was born on July 16. If you’d like to bless Charlotte’s mom and dad and bring them a meal, you can hop on the meal train (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=2a9c59ce18&e=fbb0a4052b). Pick a date and share a meal with the Hutsells.
Last call for students who are looking for a day of fun at Magic Springs. It’s all happening this Saturday!
On Sunday, we had the chance to hear a wonderful update from Joe and Dana Neff, two of the missionaries we support as a church. On Wednesday night, August 7, you’re invited to Josue and Stephanie Quiroz’s home at 7:00 pm for a prayer night for the Neffs and the other missionaries we support as a church. If you’re interested, connect with Josue and Stephanie or with Charlie Albright (you have access to the church directory, right? You don’t? Let Becky Perez know and she’ll get you hooked up. Beckyperez.rcc@gmail.com (mailto:Beckyperez.rcc@gmail.com) ).
Do you have “RCC Pool Party” on your calendar for Tuesday night July 30? I hope so. Fun, food and fellowship. Join us!
Let’s talk about you serving in Awana on Wednesday nights this year.
We need you.
The kids need you.
And Laura White needs to hear from you.
Send her an email at laurawhite811@gmail.com (mailto:laurawhite811@gmail.com) or text her at 501.517.5799.
And speaking of Awana, as Laura and Kendall shared on Sunday, it’s time to get your kids registered for fall. Remember, it’s first come, first served. We have limited space and limited volunteers (see above). And we’re letting you all sign your kids or grandkids up first before we open registration to everyone. So click here (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=a6d299317d&e=fbb0a4052b) and sign the kids up NOW! Like right now!
It’s a little late, I know. But here’s the report on our finances for the month of June:
June Giving: $29,190
June Expenses: $30,615
Year to Date Giving: $198,000
Year to Date Expenses: $285,500
Balance on Hand on 2/29/24 $161,800
As always, thanks for your generous giving to Redeemer.
According to Revelation 11, what happens in heaven with the seventh trumpet is sounded? As we’ll see on Sunday, the events depicted at the end of this chapter inspired George Frideric Handel to compose one of the best known musical pieces in history!
See you in church.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Bob
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