Dear Friends,
Over the past few weeks, I have been posting on Facebook about a number of songs from the early days of what became known as CCM – contemporary Christian music. For 13 years, from 1979 until 1992, I worked at four different Christian radio stations where CCM was a part of our format. We have, in a closet in an upstairs bedroom, a couple of boxes filled with dozens of early CCM albums – actual vinyl LPs. There was even a season in the early 80’s where I was part owner of a record store in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that featured the city’s biggest selection of CCM albums and cassettes (for the record – pun intended – 8 track tapes were no longer a thing in 1982).
While no one would claim that the early CCM songs were as theologically rich or substantive as modern Getty or City Alight hymns, there were lots of songs I listened to back in the day that helped me develop a right view – a biblical view – of God (there were also a fair number of songs that were theologically suspect, but that’s another thought for another day).
One of the songs I remember came out in 1995. It was written and performed by Pam Thum. Her career as a singer/songwriter consisted of four albums recorded and released over five years. Her song Life Is Hard (God is Good) became her best known single. It included this chorus:
Life is hard, the world is cold
We're barely young and then we're old
But every falling tear is always understood
Life is hard, but God is good
Maybe you grew up in a church tradition where people would commonly remind one another that God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. We remind ourselves of that truth because it’s easy for us to lose sight of God’s goodness when we look at the events in our world or the events in our life. Can we really affirm the goodness of God in the face of war, famine, human suffering and evil?
The reality of tribulation in this life would lead me hedonism or nihilism or depression if I didn’t believe the following:
God is good. The evil we see around us in our day is not from His hand. Yes, He allows it, for reasons that often don’t make sense to us. But I’m reminded of something I heard a friend say once: “If you knew what God knows and you could see what God sees, you would do what God does.” And I’ll add to that – “You would allow what God allows.” His ways are not our ways. And trusting in His goodness, even in the dark, is the only path that leads to life.
God is working all things for our good and His glory. We may not understand God’s purposes or His ways, but He has promised that for those who love Him, all things will indeed work together for good. The Bible follows that promise in Romans 8:28 by reminding us of the covenant God has made with us. He loves us with an everlasting love. Our destiny is in His hands, and He has promised good for us. He is also at work conforming us to the image of His Son. Sometimes, that requires sandpaper and a chisel.
God’s grace is sufficient in every trial. “My grace is sufficient for you,” God says. “When you are weak, I am strong.” Those promises bring to mind another vintage CCM lyric from songwriter Buddy Greene:
When I fret over outcomes that I cannot see
It's for certain I'll not have the peace meant for me
But when with thanksgiving I just look to Him
He will answer me time and again with
Grace for the moment, all that I need
Grace for the moment and faith to receive
All the promises given to those who believe
And grace for the moment, all that I need.
His grace is sufficient for every trial. He gives you all the grace you need, when you need it, as turn to Him to receive it.
Our light, momentary afflictions are producing an eternal weight of glory. That reminder from 2 Corinthians 4 is not meant to minimize the real pain or suffering you may be facing. The pain Jesus experienced on the cross was real and agonizing. To call His suffering a “light affliction” can sound like blasphemy. But when our suffering in this life is compared to the glory to come, we gain perspective. Like the pain of labor that brings forth the joy of new life, the sorrows of this life will one day give way to fullness of joy – unimaginable joy.
Life is short. Eternity is forever. This is why the Bible reminds us that life is a mist or a vapor, and we are to number our days. When we see the ultimate plans and purposes of God for our life - and even for our suffering - we will marvel at His wisdom and rejoice at all He has done in our lives. God will one day create a new heaven and a new earth where the former things will not be remembered or brought to mind, and where we will be glad and rejoice forever.
These biblical truths are given to us by God so that in the face of sorrow and grief, we will not despair. They are given to serve as a light for our path in dark days.
Life is hard. God is good. All the time.
MEN'S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFASTGuys – ready to chow down?
Have you registered yet for this Saturday’s men’s breakfast? I just remembered tonight that I hadn’t done so yet. So I clicked here (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=da2a6746e2&e=fbb0a4052b) and took care of it. Registering helps us know how many eggs to buy and how many biscuits to bake.
Hope to see you this Saturday at 8:30.
BAPTISM
Don’t forget that this Sunday, we’ll hear two testimonies from two young people who are stepping forward to be baptized. I love when we’re able to celebrate new life in Christ as a church.
TRUNK OR TREATOur Trunk or Treat outreach is three weeks away!
And here’s how you can help.
- Pray for good weather!
- Buy a big bag of candy this week and drop it off at church on Sunday morning.
- Agree to host a trunk. We can provide you with the vehicle and/or the game for kids to play. We just need folks to volunteer to run the games and hand out the candy.
If you can help during the event, please get in touch with Jen Gurney. She is waiting right now for your email or text message!
FALL WOMEN'S RETREATRegistration is open for the Fall Women’s Retreat. Keep in mind, there are a limited number of beds available, so don’t wait to sign up.
It’s a two-night getaway in November with other women from Redeemer. It’s a great time to relax, study God’s word, have fun and come home spiritually refreshed.
Click here (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=216580b8c2&e=fbb0a4052b) for info or to register.
COUPLES DATE NIGHTLooking for a great date night idea that includes dinner and child care and doesn’t break the bank? I have just the thing for you.
Years ago, I interviewed Chris and Stephanie Teague and heard the amazing story of the death and resurrection of their marriage (If you’re interested in their story, here’s a link (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=1a900e695a&e=fbb0a4052b) to the three part podcast). Chris and Stephanie are also talented musicians and recording artists. They perform under the name Out Of The Dust. You can check out their songs on Spotify or wherever you go for music.
So here’s the date night part. Chris and Stephanie are coming to Central Arkansas next weekend. They’ll perform and share their story at a special date night event hosted by our friends at Centerpoint Church in Benton.
Whole Hog BBQ for the couples. Pizza for the kids. And did I mention child care is provided? Why not get another couple to join you and make it a double date?
Registration closes THIS FRIDAY. So click here (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=272ad54047&e=fbb0a4052b) for more info or to register.
PREPARING YOUR HEART FOR SUNDAY
Here’s our New City Catechism questions for this Sunday.
Here is the link to this week’s video (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=e915ac2a3b&e=fbb0a4052b) where Jaun Sanchez talks about this week’s question and answer.
(https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=0aa7a33673&e=fbb0a4052b)
And here is this week’s catechism song (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=a381c971ca&e=fbb0a4052b):
(https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=795d54490c&e=fbb0a4052b)
And finally, as always, here is the link (https://redeemerlr.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=df57aea0670b59c32464d5bab&id=9cb139a7ac&e=fbb0a4052b) that will take you to the Spotify playlist of the songs we’ll be singing together this Sunday.
SUNDAY'S COMING
When God chose us and predestined us for adoption as His sons, as we read about in Ephesians 1, there was an obstacle in the way. The obstacle was our sin. Before we could be welcomed in as children of God, He had to make a way to solve the sin problem. And as we’ll see this Sunday, He did. He paid a high price to redeem us and bring us home to Him.
See you in church.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Bob
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Redeemer Community Church
11512 David O Dodd Road
Little Rock AR 72204
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