Committees are necessary. Even more important is vision and the ability to move the congregation toward the goals of the church. But when push comes to shove, it's the ministry of the Word that gives us our greatest impact. A church can usually put up with weak administration if it has effective preaching. But there's nothing quite as pathetic as people coming to church and returning home without any spiritual food.
Erwin Lutzer

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28 years ago...

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#1 · July 15, 2004, 5:09 pm

Posted by: homenews <homenews@...>

Hello Hope Chest friends,
 
I'll be sending out my good friend Debbie Klinect's interview with children's author Kristiana Gregory tomorrow!  I know you will enjoy it.
 
It struck me this morning that 28 years ago this week is when I...  Well, I didn't even know how to say it because it is so big, but I'll try.  It was then, in July 1976, that my eyes were opened wide to the mercy of God in Jesus. Our family was taking a month-long bicentennial road trip from our home in San Francisco across the country to see our relatives in Pennsylvania, then tour New England before bobbling back and forth across the Canadian border, and home to hippyland.  Fresh out of 7th grade, I already had quite a bad attitude about "Jesus freaks" -- until I met up with my dear Aunt Faye, who was new in the faith and ready to share the good news.  My angst was no match for the witness of her sweet and peaceful spirit, and my guilt was no match for the blood of the Savior.  I am forever grateful that God snatched me by the heartstrings when I was running as fast as I could in the opposite direction.
 
Yes, my life in Christ has been full of challenges and heartaches, and many many failures on my part. 
Still, these are no match for the glorious grace of God.  These last 28 years have been deeper, richer and sweeter than I ever could have imagined.  There is no other life for me.  I look forward to the next 28 years -- as just a little foretaste of eternity.  I hope to see you there.
 
I guess my experience is best summed up by the lyrics to a song we often sing in church:
 
Before the Cross
 
My Savior's sacrifice paid for all my sin
So in my suffering I look to the cross again
No need, no want, no trial, no pain
Can compare to this
The wrath of God once mean for me
Was all spent on Him.
 
Before the cross, I humbly bow
I place my trust in the Savior
Your finished work captures my gaze
You bore the wrath, I know the grace.
 
In my darkest hour your presence is my peace
And in my days of joy your grace carries me
Jesus, my Great High Priest
The One who pleads for me
My heart is filled with faith in you
Here at Calvary on my knees.
 
~*~
 
by John Payne
Copyright 2003
Sovereign Grace Music
 
Hear a sample of this song or order the CD at:
 
 
Blessings,
Virginia Knowles
 

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