A really great sermon illustration

Something really good happened in church yesterday. We were attending  Christ Church in Cabot, Arkansas.  We always attend this church when we are here, and in fact go out of our way to do so, as it feels like home when we are here.

Pastor Jeff was preaching about God’s “Crazy Love” for us, in connection with a study of a book by that same title that this congregation is currently doing. At the end of the sermon he was driving home the point of what our response should be to this great love that God has for us.  This is not a concept that is easy to put into words.

At the end of the sermon the band came forward to take their places on the stage. When they were in place, the young son (about two years) of one of the musicians spotted his dad. The little boy cried out “Daddy! Daddy! Hi daddy!”  I am sure that everyone in the congregation (with the possible exception of his parents) felt the joy, and the revelation than this event provided us.  It wasn’t so much the words, as it was the feeling of love and pure joy that they conveyed.

This is indeed the appropriate response that we should be giving to our Heavenly “daddy” when we realize His great “Crazy Love” for us. The apostle Paul tells us:

“And because we* are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”* Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.* And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” Galatians 4:6-7 NLT

The Spirit of God spoke to us through that little child yesterday. His text may just as well have been:

“Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:2-3

Thanks for sharing this moment with me today.

Rio Grande Valley 2012

With only a few days to go before we leave the Rio Grande Valley, it is probably appropriate for me to give a report of what going on here.

We are at Jack’s park, Alamo Rose, this year. I am leading one of two Bible studies in the park. The title and theme is “Your walk with God” and although we started with a plan, it sort of took on a life of its own.  But all went well, and the class members were blessed by it.

Last year I called on all readers to join us in prayer about the drug war that is going on across the border in Mexico. It is still going on, but it is different this year, and I believe that our prayers have made a difference. Last year I reported that we heard of someone being killed every day over there. These reports have dropped dramatically. There seems to be less violence this year, and it seems also that fewer bystanders are being victimized. I think that the drug cartels may have figured out that the less time they spend in battle, the more time they will have to move their drugs and make all that money. Make no mistake, the war is not over and probably will not be for some time to come, but I notice this improvement, and I thank God for it. Keep praying!

As far as the spiritual climate among winter Texans is concerned, it is as before. The twins of spiritual hunger and spiritual apathy are still sitting side-by-side in the pew each Sunday. There are many new faces in our Bible studies this year, as well as in Sunday church, and I am thankful for all of them and the enthusiasm that they bring into our groups.

Without a doubt we can see our Lord at work here, and thank Him for the privilege of being a part of what He is doing in the Rio Grande Valley.

Christian Resort Ministries is also going through a transition, as Dennis Maloney has reduced his responsibilities, and an “administrative team” is taking his place (it took at least three people to replace him). Dennis of course, continues to be chaplain at Alamo Rec-Veh  park, and continues to be a driving force behind the vision of CRM.

Many of the residents here at Alamo Rose are getting involved in mission activities such as Children’s Haven International, and Books for the Border and Beyond. In addition to actual hands-on involvement, our congregation will support these financially with the remainder of their Sunday offerings. One of the really nice things about our park church situations is that we don’t have to maintain a facility, so even the small offerings (average $2-3 per attendant per week) go a long way.

While we are, as I said, leaving here in a couple of days, Christ’s work, through His Spirit will go on, and I look forward to being a part of it again next year.

Thanks for sharing this moment with me today.