In Matthew 16:18, Jesus makes the strong, clear, defining statement, “…I will build My church…” With these words, at least 3 foundational realities about the church are clarified:

1. The church is God’s idea, not men’s.
2. The church belongs to Jesus Christ, not men.
3. The church is built by Jesus Christ, not men.

These realities are profoundly significant concerning our understanding of and involvement in the church. Because the church is God’s idea and not men’s, then the purpose, priorities, and patterns of life in the church are defined by Him rather than any person or group of people. Thus, it is not for us to determine what the church should be, what it should do, and how it should function. Rather ours is to grow in our understanding of what God has revealed in the Bible, and live accordingly.

Because the church belongs to Jesus Christ and not men, the very reason for the existence of the church is God-centered rather than man-centered. We learn in passages like Eph. 3:8-10 and 1 Pet. 2:9,10 that the church exists for the display of God’s glory and the proclaiming of His excellencies.

Because the church is being built by Jesus Christ and not men, then He is the one who designs and supplies all that is necessary for the church’s growth and health. Scripture makes it clear that Jesus builds His church according to the  counsel of God’s Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through His people whom He has gifted and equipped to be used by Him as ministers of His grace and truth. Ephesians 4:1-16 is one of numerous passages that clearly reveal God’s plan for church growth.

Thinking about all of these truths in the context of River City Grace, how wonderful it is to see Christ’s work as He is building His church among us and through us! Every single believer whom God has brought to share in the life of the body at RCG represents His active work in fulfilling what Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18. What a privilege, blessing, and responsibility to be a part of what God is doing for His glory!

One aspect of what Christ is doing in building His church among us is bringing Steve Meister to serve as our new Associate Pastor. As the church has grown in size, it has become increasingly necessary to have another full-time pastor on staff so as to more effectively shepherd God’s people at RCG We have been praying about this for a number of years, and in the Lord’s timing and way, we believe He has answered this prayer with Steve.

Over the next month or so, Steve and his wife, Jenn, will be relocating to the Sacramento area from Los Angeles (definitely a move UP!!). We anticipate Steve formally beginning his ministry as Associate Pastor in mid-January. Please keep the Meister’s in your prayers as they make this significant move, and as all of us share in this unique time of transition as Christ continues to build His church among us.

Please also keep in mind that as we share in what God is doing in building His church, it is inevitable that we’ll experience various growing pains along the way. Though purchased by His blood and indwelt by His Holy Spirit, we are still sinful people who are in an ongoing process of sanctification. And change never comes easily. But the very nature of God’s activity in building His church means that we’ll always be in a process of change, both individually and corporately. Thus it is imperative as we follow Him and seek to walk worthy of His calling in our lives, that we do so “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2,3)

What a joy to share in Christ’s building project with you!!

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus makes the strong, clear, defining statement, “…I will build My church…” With these words, at least 3 foundational realities about the church are clarified:

1. The church is God’s idea, not men’s.
2. The church belongs to Jesus Christ, not men.
3. The church is built by Jesus Christ, not men.

These realities are profoundly significant concerning our understanding of and involvement in the church. Because the church is God’s idea and not men’s, then the purpose, priorities, and patterns of life in the church are defined by Him rather than any person or group of people. Thus, it is not for us to determine what the church should be, what it should do, and how it should function. Rather ours is to grow in our understanding of what God has revealed in the Bible, and live accordingly.

Because the church belongs to Jesus Christ and not men, the very reason for the existence of the church is God-centered rather than man-centered. We learn in passages like Eph. 3:8-10 and 1 Pet. 2:9,10 that the church exists for the display of God’s glory and the proclaiming of His excellencies.

Because the church is being built by Jesus Christ and not men, then He is the one who designs and supplies all that is necessary for the church’s growth and health. Scripture makes it clear that Jesus builds His church according to the  counsel of God’s Word, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through His people whom He has gifted and equipped to be used by Him as ministers of His grace and truth. Ephesians 4:1-16 is one of numerous passages that clearly reveal God’s plan for church growth.

Thinking about all of these truths in the context of River City Grace, how wonderful it is to see Christ’s work as He is building His church among us and through us! Every single believer whom God has brought to share in the life of the body at RCG represents His active work in fulfilling what Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18. What a privilege, blessing, and responsibility to be a part of what God is doing for His glory!

One aspect of what Christ is doing in building His church among us is bringing Steve Meister to serve as our new Associate Pastor. As the church has grown in size, it has become increasingly necessary to have another full-time pastor on staff so as to more effectively shepherd God’s people at RCG We have been praying about this for a number of years, and in the Lord’s timing and way, we believe He has answered this prayer with Steve.

Over the next month or so, Steve and his wife, Jenn, will be relocating to the Sacramento area from Los Angeles (definitely a move UP!!). We anticipate Steve formally beginning his ministry as Associate Pastor in mid-January. Please keep the Meister’s in your prayers as they make this significant move, and as all of us share in this unique time of transition as Christ continues to build His church among us.

Please also keep in mind that as we share in what God is doing in building His church, it is inevitable that we’ll experience various growing pains along the way. Though purchased by His blood and indwelt by His Holy Spirit, we are still sinful people who are in an ongoing process of sanctification. And change never comes easily. But the very nature of God’s activity in building His church means that we’ll always be in a process of change, both individually and corporately. Thus it is imperative as we follow Him and seek to walk worthy of His calling in our lives, that we do so “…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2,3)

What a joy to share in Christ’s building project with you!!

Psalm 105 begins with these grand and provoking words in verses 1-6:

OH give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth, O seed of Abraham, His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!

Notice all of the verbs which strongly compel readers to action: “give thanks…call…make known…sing…speak…glory…be glad…seek… remember…” It is interesting that the final verb is “remember”, as if to suggest that remembering the works of God is foundational to fulfilling all of the other
exhortations listed in this passage.

The rest of Psalm 105 goes on to recount many of the Lord’s wonders, marvels, and judgments displayed throughout Israel’s early history. So the writer of the Psalm not only gives clear commandment that the wonders of God displayed are to be remembered, but he gives a specific review of what many of those wonders are.

Sadly, the very next Psalm (106) identifies the disappointing reality that Israel was quick to forget the wonders and marvels and judgments of Godon their behalf:

Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember Your abundant kindnesses, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. (Ps. 106:7)

The tragedy of Israel’s forgetfulness is that it lead them into rebellion against the God who had shown such abundant loving kindness to them. We read of this rebellion specifically in Exodus 14:11,12:

Then they said to Moses,

We are no different than Israel of old! How quick we are to forget the wonderful works of God and His abundant loving kindness to us. How quickly we fall into rank grumbling, complaining, and rebellion when faced with any number of trials the Lord ordains for us.

As the Thanksgiving season is upon us once again, let me encourage you simply to cultivate the discipline of gratefully remembering the mighty wonders of God! As we contemplate His wonders displayed in creation, redemption in Jesus Christ, and providence – all so clearly proclaimed in His Word – may we be those who truly exhibit grateful joy and confidence in Him, even in the trials and challenges of life we sometimes face. And may such grateful joy guard us from rebellion, and keep us well on the way of faith-motivated submission to our mighty and merciful God. He is always faithful – may we always be remembering, praising, and obeying Him!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Psalm 105 begins with these grand and provoking words in verses 1-6:

OH give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples. Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; speak of all His wonders. Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad. Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. Remember His wonders which He has done, His marvels and the judgments uttered by His mouth, O seed of Abraham, His servant, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones!

Notice all of the verbs which strongly compel readers to action: “give thanks…call…make known…sing…speak…glory…be glad…seek… remember…” It is interesting that the final verb is “remember”, as if to suggest that remembering the works of God is foundational to fulfilling all of the other
exhortations listed in this passage.

The rest of Psalm 105 goes on to recount many of the Lord’s wonders, marvels, and judgments displayed throughout Israel’s early history. So the writer of the Psalm not only gives clear commandment that the wonders of God displayed are to be remembered, but he gives a specific review of what many of those wonders are.

Sadly, the very next Psalm (106) identifies the disappointing reality that Israel was quick to forget the wonders and marvels and judgments of Godon their behalf:

Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; they did not remember Your abundant kindnesses, but rebelled by the sea, at the Red Sea. (Ps. 106:7)

The tragedy of Israel’s forgetfulness is that it lead them into rebellion against the God who had shown such abundant loving kindness to them. We read of this rebellion specifically in Exodus 14:11,12:

Then they said to Moses,

We are no different than Israel of old! How quick we are to forget the wonderful works of God and His abundant loving kindness to us. How quickly we fall into rank grumbling, complaining, and rebellion when faced with any number of trials the Lord ordains for us.

As the Thanksgiving season is upon us once again, let me encourage you simply to cultivate the discipline of gratefully remembering the mighty wonders of God! As we contemplate His wonders displayed in creation, redemption in Jesus Christ, and providence – all so clearly proclaimed in His Word – may we be those who truly exhibit grateful joy and confidence in Him, even in the trials and challenges of life we sometimes face. And may such grateful joy guard us from rebellion, and keep us well on the way of faith-motivated submission to our mighty and merciful God. He is always faithful – may we always be remembering, praising, and obeying Him!

Happy Thanksgiving!

These are unique and wonderful days in the life of River City Grace. The Lord is blessing and working among us in marvelous ways. Over the last year, we have seen many be baptized and give testimony of God’s saving grace in their lives. We’ve welcomed many new people to the body, and continue to rejoice in the work God is doing among those who have been around for awhile. New marriages have begun, and new babies have been born. New focuses of ministry have been initiated, both in organized and informal ways. Many people have moved in new directions for their lives as they grow and mature in Christ. Of course, new trials and challenges come with all of this, but God is ever faithful to provide and sustain.

We are a growing church. This growth is occurring both in terms of people growing spiritually in their walk with Jesus Christ, as well as numerically. There are more and more people He is bringing our way.

Jesus promised that He would build His church (Mt. 16:18), and we certainly see much of how He is fulfilling His promise among us. By His grace, and through the preaching of His Word, the power of His Spirit, and the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ, He is doing His work among us.

It seems timely, therefore, to share briefly what I see as four key aspects of growth that are currently taking place at River City Grace. I call these the “four roads that are converging at the intersection of growth”.

Road #1 – The development of our Deacon Ministry. This vitally important area of support ministry was officially “launched’ atthe beginning of last June, with Gary Francisco serving as the “Director of Deacons” to provide leadership here. Potential Deacons are now being identified, and processes will soon be under way to evaluate and affirm these men as Deacons. You’ll continue to hear more about this in days ahead.

Road #2 – The enlarging of our Elder Team. As you know, the Lord has raised up two new Elders among us in Sean Wallentine and Eric Steen. Sean was affirmed in this office last February, and Eric just this past September. These are the first new elders that have been added in the last 8 years. We rejoice that God is increasing the size of the Elder team, to the end that we might more effectively shepherd His flock.

Road #3 – The pursuit of a Full-Time Associate Pastor. We have been aggressively praying about and pursuing this for the last couple of years. We believe it will not be too much longer before a man is in place. There are 4 men in particular that we are currently interviewing and considering.The nature of the position we envision is one that will deepen and strengthen our overall shepherding, equipping, and training focuses, thus providing greater opportunities for people to be growing and serving.

Road #4 – The reality of our Facility Needs. As almost everyone knows, we are maxing out our current facilities, both as it relates to our corporate worship space and classroom space. We consistently have people sitting in our make-shift overflow during worship on Sunday mornings. A team of people, under the leadership of Gary Holman, is prayerfully working on these “good” problems, looking at immediate, short-term, and long-term facility needs.

I bring all of these “roads of growth” to your attention for three reasons. First, it is
important for all of us who are a part of RCG to be aware of the “big picture” of how the Lord is working among us, and the good challenges we face along the way. Second, it is important for all of us to continually be praying about the Lord’s provision and direction in all these matters. We only want His will, for His glory, in all that takes place. We are desperately dependant on Him. Finally, it is important for all of us to consider how God wants to continue to use us in ministry in the body, both in terms of serving and financial giving.

As I said at the beginning, these are unique and wonderful days in the life of River City Grace. What a blessing to be a part of His family here – we all have much to be thankful for!

Rejoicing in the Lord with you,

In the midst of the many hot summer days we all experience this time of year, there is nothing quite so refreshing as a simple, giant, ice-cold glass of clear, fresh water. Not only do we understand medically how beneficial water is for us and how important it is to stay properly hydrated, but we also understand experientially how soothing water is when we are hot, dry, and thirsty. Our bodies not only need water, but we all know what it is to crave water when we are parched.

It is this biological reality that David uses metaphorically in Ps. 63 to speak of the longing of his soul after God. He begins the Psalm with these passionate, desperate words:

O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, In a dry and weary land where there is no water (Ps. 63:1).

Part of what makes David’s earnest thirst after God so significant is that we know from other statements in the Psalms he is being hotly pursued by his enemies. He is in trouble. He knows that no help can be found in this world (“…in a dry and weary land where there is no water”), but only in God alone. So David’s refuge is completely in Him, and this Psalm reflects his joyful resolve to seek God alone for the quenching of His thirsty soul.

Many of us at RCG have embraced the encouragement this summer to memorize this powerful Psalm. If you are not already doing so, it is not too late to start. This Psalm, and the entire Old Testament, has been given by God for our instruction, encouragement, perseverance, and hope (Rom. 15:4). Like David, every believer is involved in a very real battle, with very real enemies (see Eph. 6:10-18). Like David, we need to learn to thirst and seek for God alone, no matter what circumstances we may be facing.

We’ve not taken time to fully study through this Psalm together, but if you are interested in doing so let me offer a few resources:

• C.H. Spurgeon’s Treasury of David, exhaustive commentary on the entire book of Psalms.

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Psalm 63.

• Sermon from John Piper on Psalm 63

Perhaps the most obvious questions of application that this Psalm confronts us with are: where do you and I go to find relief for the thirsting of our souls? Do we seek God earnestly – implying being in His Word and in prayer? Do we look to Him alone for help in days of trouble? Do we know the joy that springs from such tenacious and exclusive trust in Him?

May God be pleased to cultivate this thirst ever more deeply in our souls, and help us to cry out to Him all the more for His supply! May we ever more fully rejoice in the One who so abundantly supplies all that we need!

Thirsting with you,

Most of the body at RCG knows my family and I had the incredible opportunity to take a major road trip across America this summer. We left our driveway just after 4 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, and pulled back into it about 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16. During the four weeks of our adventure we traveled in and through 28 states, toured lots of interesting places and historical sites, enjoyed meeting up with numerous friends and family along the way, and logged a total of 8,549 miles. The bulk of our trip was spent in the northeast. We stayed in the Washington D.C. area for about a week, and then the surrounding areas (mainly Pennsylvania) for another week. Our farthest point visited away from Sacramento was Kennebunkport, Maine, which is about 3100 miles from our home (there’s a great Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Shop there – worth the trip!)

This trip was the fulfillment of a few years’ worth of desires, prayer, and planning. Needless to say, it was a very special time for our family, and has given us countless memories that we’ll be grateful for the rest of our lives.

While it is still so fresh in my mind, I thought I’d use this space to pass on a few of the key thoughts and observations that impacted me from the trip. In no particular order…

This country is BIG!!  Driving across these United States does give a perspective of how vast and diverse the geography is. We certainly didn’t see everything, but what we did see was awesome – and BIG! The church is bigger than any local congregation! One of the blessings of our trip was worshipping with four different congregations during the four Sundays we were away. We first were at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN with Pastor John Piper; then at Fellowship Bible Church in Chester, NH with Pastor Terry Wragg; then Capitol Hill Baptist Church in D.C. with Pastor Mark Dever; and finally at a Calvary Chapel near Colorado Springs with our friends. It was good and refreshing to be reminded that God’s work is so much greater than my limited perspective of it.

There is much work yet to do!  By way of observation and also interaction with numerous folks along the way, I was struck by how great a need there is for Christ-exalting, Bible-preaching, Spirit-empowered, Gospel-centered churches throughout the country. While there are many, many churches across the land, the number that are striving to be genuinely faithful to the Gospel seem to be few and far between. This reality has spurred me on to be all the more diligent in working for the progress of the Gospel, and all the more prayerful in asking the Lord of the harvest to raise up workers for His harvest field (Mt. 9:36-38).

The blessing of family and friends!  We enjoyed a very special weekend in Minneapolis with my Dad, and also rich time with friends new and old in various places. Who can measure how our lives have been so strengthened and encouraged in Christ through the people given us special friendships with? Particularly those with whom we share union in Christ – wow, what a refreshing blessing!

I love my wife and kids!!  Every day of our journey was special, mainly because of the joy of sharing it together as a family under God. Whether it was just the six of us, or sharing time together with others along the way, I’m more in love with my wife Laurie and our four kids Lindsay, Zach, Jordan, and Tyler, than ever before. Family is not ultimate – the glory of God in Christ is. But family is a great blessing, and I’m thankful to God for the kindness He has shown me with these five special people. I sure like being with them, and am glad they are willing to put up with me!

So the trip was great, and it’s really good to be home and re-engaging with life and ministry in Sacramento. Praise God!

See you down the road,

Since Greg is on vacation I (Gary Francisco) am writing the cover article for this month on the developing Deacon Ministry.

The following is one of the documents that helps guide our Deacon ministry. This document, as well as other documents related to the deacon ministry, are available on the Members area of the churches web site.

The Deacon’s Role in the Church

Church Government Overview
The one supreme authority for the church is the risen and reigning Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18). The matters of church leadership, gifts, order, discipline, and worship are all appointed and regulated through His sovereignty as found in the Scriptures.

The biblically designated offices serving under Christ and over the assembly are elders (also called bishops, overseers, pastors, pastor-teachers, and shepherds; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:1-3) and deacons (Philippians 1:1). Men who would fill theses offices must meet biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5). Both of these offices have the same qualifications with the exception that Elders must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:9).

These leaders are to lead or rule as servants of Christ (1 Timothy 5:17-22) and have His authority, through His revealed Word and enabling of His Spirit, in directing His church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership, as unto Christ (Hebrews 13:7, 17).

The Deacon’s Role
As with our physical bodies, any local church in the body of Christ has numerous and ongoing needs for care and support among its members. While the Elders of the church are responsible for the overall shepherding and spiritual oversight of people’s souls (Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17), there are many physical and practical needs among the church body that must be attended to by someone. We understand the Biblical office of “Deacon” as being given by God to oversee ministry to these many practical needs (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Tim. 3:8-13). The deacons complement the elders in their shepherding work (for a fuller explanation of our understanding, please refer to our Statement of Faith and the section titled The Church). We currently view these physical and practical needs as falling under two categories: Caring Ministries, which concern individual needs among church members (personal finances, health, food, etc.), and Support Ministries, which concern corporate needs among the whole church (facilities, church finances, etc.). The deacon ministry is for the purpose of freeing up the elders to focus on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:3-4), promoting unity within the church (Acts 6:5, Ephesians 4:3), and facilitating the spread of the gospel (Acts 6:8).

The office of deacon is a leadership position. Although a deacon will typically have provided faithful service within ministry areas related to their area of official oversight their role as deacon is not primarily hands on service, but, ministry oversight and member mobilization.

God calls all believers to be active in serving His church (Romans 12:4-8, Hebrews 10:24-25). Therefore, the role of deacon is very important as it helps to incorporate each member of the body into an area of service that is appropriate for them for the common good of the church, for the glory of God.

So what now?
1. We encourage you to submit recommendations for the deacon positions. The recommendation form is available in the Members area of the RCG web site, or a hard copy is in the foyer. Please read and pray over the second page (same as document above) of the document as you consider men for this role. This is an overseeing role with broad responsibility. Review the “Deacon Job Descriptions” document and think of the man as overseeing one of the 6 highlighted areas of ministry. The deacon is not only a servant but a leader and a leader of leaders. Recommendations will be considered by me and the Elders. The process for selecting deacons will proceed as laid out in Article V, Section 2.3 of our Constitution and Bylaws.

2. I am currently working on getting a record of where everyone in the church is serving and where they are interested in serving. I will primarily be looking to people in various leadership roles to find out who is serving in the ministry areas that they lead. As the Deacon ministry develops, we will seek the Lord to enable every member of this local body to be functioning according to the gifts that God has given them (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 4:15-16).

Please pray that the Lord would give me and the Elders much wisdom, strength and diligence as we labor for His church.

Director of Deacons

Summer is once again upon us. This intriguing season which seems in our minds to run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, complete with all the elements of hot temperatures, longer days, vacations, baseball games, 4th of July festivities, change of routine, swim parties, evening cookouts, volleyball, no school (for some), and mass quantities of ice cream. Indeed, it is a blessing to share in the change of seasons that God has ordained in the fabric of creation, and we can certainly thank God that we live in the country we do.

At the same time, I believe summer holds unique temptations for sinners like you and me – temptations that we need to be aware of and guard against lest we be ambushed by the enemy and our souls suffer harm.

The very nature of summer in America seems to carry with it an ethos that says, “It’s time to kick back, take a break, chill out, and relax. You’ve worked hard all year; you deserve a little R & R. Forget about responsibility for awhile and just indulge yourself. Come on – it’s summer time!!”

To be sure, there is nothing wrong with reasonable rest and relaxation in the framework of the Christian life. It glorifies God for His children to gratefully receive and enjoy the many rich blessings He grants in this life, even the blessings of summer in America (see 1 Tim. 4:4,5; 6:17.) But appropriate, beneficial, and God-glorifying rest and relaxation is that which renews, refreshes, and invigorates our delight in and passion for our supremely glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Likewise, a God-glorifying “vacation” is that which He uses to rekindle longings to love Him more and sacrificially love others more in His Name.

In light of this, the primary temptation we face during summer in America is to take a vacation from seeking, savoring, and magnifying Jesus Christ. “Come on, you’ve been walking with God all year long, take a break for awhile – it’s summer time!”

Oh dear brothers and sisters, beware of this subtle and deadly temptation! Don’t let Satan deceive and devour you with the lie that it’s okay to take a break from the spiritual battle. The latest summer blockbuster movie will still leave you thirsty. There is never a time, including the summer time, when we are not to be lifting up the shield of faith (Eph. 6:16), drinking deeply, joyfully, and satisfyingly from the fullness of Jesus Christ crucified and risen.

To that end, let me encourage you to make purposeful plans for how you are going to glorify God this summer. If you are going to be spending time, energy, and money in planning for any number of summer events and activities, you need to make the same type of conscientious investment in planning for how you are going to walk with God through the summer! Here are some practical suggestions:

• Cultivate and maintain the nourishing of your soul before God! Have a clear, reasonable plan for DAILY Bible reading, study, memorization, prayer, and application – all with a view toward growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. We have a booklet in our lobby entitled “Bible Reading” to help you get started if you need it.

• Share in corporate worship with other believers every Sunday! If you are traveling out of town, make plans to attend worship with another church body wherever you are.

• Look for specific, practical ways to serve other people wherever you are! Reach out to unbelievers with the Gospel, and purpose to strengthen fellow believers in the Gospel!

• Related to this, practice hospitality! Invite people into your home for fellowship or outreach. Or take someone out for a meal or a treat for the same reason.

• Be faithful and consistent in your financial giving! The needs of the church body don’t take a vacation.

• Take advantage of modern technology and listen to as many audio sermons and messages as you can (through your computer, iPod, CD player, etc.)! Whether you are driving, hiking, biking, or sleeping (okay, maybe not sleeping), there are countless CDs and MP3s from people like John MacArthur, John Piper, CJ Mahaney, R.C. Sproul, Mark Dever, and even myself that can benefit you greatly.

• Read excellent Christian literature! Join with others at RCG who are going to be reading through John Piper’s book, “When I Don’t Desire God” during the summer months. Submerge yourself into a book that will encourage your faith in Christ, like John Owen’s “The Glory of Christ.” Read the biography of a sinful, yet faithful saint from the past, so as to receive encouraging testimony of how God uses frail and weak people. John Piper has a 4-book series called “The Swans Are Not Silent”, which provide brief biographical studies of a number of people from church history. Buy one of these and devour it.

With all of this in mind, have a GREAT summer!!

In the introductory section of Paul’s letter to the Romans, he makes this crystallizing statement that sets the framework for his entire letter:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith…” (Romans 1:16,17)

With these words, God Himself, through Paul, establishes the centrality and priority of the gospel: it alone is the power of God for salvation. The implication of this truth is that when anyone comes to genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ, it is only because God in His mercy has enabled them to hear, understand, believe, and receive the gospel.

The word “gospel” literally means “good news.” This good news of God’s salvation through faith in Jesus Christ is revealed in Scripture. Sadly however, Satan is constantly working to distort, diminish, and decentralize the power, hope, and riches of the gospel. This is tragically evidenced in many churches where the clear, precise, bold, authoritative, and gracious proclamation of the gospel no longer holds central place in the life of the church. As one saint from the past has said, “the main thing about the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Well, THE main thing is the gospel, and the church in every age must labor diligently to keep the main thing the main thing!!

To that end, one of the marvelous works God is doing in our day to help us keep the main thing the main thing surrounds a conference known as “Together for the Gospel” (“T4G” for short). This is a bi-annual conference that was first held in April of 2006 in Louisville, Kentucky, and then again this past April 15-17. The purpose and heartbeat of the conference grew out of the deep friendship of four men who share a common passion for the gospel: Dr. Albert Mohler, Dr. Mark Dever, Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, and C.J. Mahaney. Their vision has been to champion the centrality of the gospel, and to encourage friendships among believers, pastors in particular, who share a common passion for the gospel (even though there may be differences in secondary areas of doctrine and understanding). Each of these men spoke at the conference, along with messages from Dr. John Piper, Dr. John MacArthur, Dr. R.C. Sproul, and Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile.

I had the privilege of attending this year’s conference with my son Zach. Additionally from our church, Chuck Meadows, and with his son Ryan and son-in-law Dan attended. We joined about 5500 other people, mostly pastors, who attended the conference. Suffice it to say that the conference was profoundly refreshing and impacting. But rather than trying to describe it all for you, I would encourage you to go to the T4G website at www.t4g.org. There you can learn more about the men who spoke at the conference, see pictures, read the T4G statement of affirmations and denials concerning the gospel, and also listen to and/or download the messages. I was encouraged, convicted, and helped by all of the messages.

CJ’s message in particular was deeply significant for me. If you want to know the kinds of things God is dealing with me about in my own soul, just listen to this excellent message!

So I encourage you to check out the T4G website, and be encouraged and strengthened in the power and riches of the lorious, life-giving, transforming gospel of Jesus Christ!

Together with you,

We all remember the childhood idiom, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. We all also understand that whoever came up with that little ditty was surely living in la-la land! The reality, of course, is that words are phenomenally powerful and impacting, either for blessing or for cursing. As we are told in James 3:5, with reference to the potency of our tongues, “see how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” God’s living and eternal Word has much to say about our words, and it would do us well to heed His instruction as we live in this verbally intensive world. What we say, and also how and why we say it, are profoundly significant, for as Jesus says, “…the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Mt. 12:34).

This truth destroys every excuse we employ when we say things that dishonor God and hurt and damage others. Such cop-outs as “I didn’t mean to say that”, or “I’m just tired”, or “Oops, that slipped” betray the fact that we’ve said what we’ve said because that’s what was in our heart to say. Oh how we need the Spirit of God, working through the Word of God, to continually purify our hearts and lips for His glory and the benefit of others!

To that end, let me challenge you to memorize, pray over, and strive to obey the following passages concerning our words. There is certainly more Scripture has to say on this topic, but these passages have been most frequently impressed on my mind in my own growth regarding God-glorifying speech.

Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.

Proverbs 18:13
He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.

Proverbs 25:11,12
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

James 1:19-21
This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger…

May we increasingly and distinctively be known as a church that “speaks the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). May God give us much grace and strength to be wise, careful, appropriate, faithful, kind, gracious, gentle, and truthful in all of our speech with every person we interact with all the time.

Talk to you soon!

This is the most common and understandable question I’ve been asked following our recent sermon series on “Treasures in Heaven and Stewardship.” In light of the many biblical principles and priorities that we’ve looked at in the course of this series, the next question is, “How do I work this out in the practical details of my life, especially in the area of finances and giving?” Let me try to give some practical direction, which incorporates the thinking of myself and the other Elders at RCG.

What follows is given with the assumption that you are familiar with the biblical truths that lie behind these practical thoughts. If you missed any or all of the sermon series, or you would just like to go over them again, you can find the audio sermons under the “Resources” tab on our website (www.rivercitygrace.org). So, what should you do with whatever money God has entrusted to you?

1. Determine FIRST what you are going to give to God. This priority is based on the principle of giving to God from your “first fruits” (Prov. 3:9,10). It should be your first consideration before thinking about taxes, savings, investments, and living expenses. Giving from your first fruits, would imply giving based on your gross income, not your net. A few additional thoughts under this point:

A. The specific amount is between you and God (and your spouse, if married). Ask Him for wisdom in what you should give, and determine an amount that is sacrificial and in proportion to how He has blessed you. It can be a set dollar amount or a percentage of your income. While I don’t believe a strict tithe (10%) is demanded in the New Covenant, such a percentage might not be a bad place to start.

B. I believe there is biblical support for making your local church the primary focus of your giving. There are certainly other directions you might give as well, but the local church should be a priority.

C. Because the needs of the church are regular and ongoing, your giving should be too. Whether this works out for you in a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly fashion, being regular and consistent in giving is important.

D. If you are in debt, let me encourage you to be working on a plan to eliminate that debt. But, as a matter of principle, it is still important to be giving something, even if it is less than what you might desire to give.

2. SECOND, be faithful in paying your taxes. Believers are to “give to God what is God’s, and give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” (Mt. 22:21)

3. THIRD, develop a reasonable and workable plan for savings and investments. The Bible does not discourage being responsible and wise in this way, so long as our hearts are truly governed by “storing up treasures in heaven” (Mt. 6:19-34), and so long as we are truly honoring the Lord first in our giving. Again, this can be a set dollar amount or a percentage of your income, however you determine to do it.

4. FINALLY, develop a workable budget for how you will use the rest of your financial resources to provide for your living expenses. Having a prayerful, thought-through, and workable budget is essential to being a faithful steward of what God has entrusted to you. Living expenses basically fall into two categories: 1) Non-discretionary items (such as rent, taxes, utilities, etc.), and 2) Discretionary items (such as food, entertainment, etc.). It takes time and effort to develop a workable budget, but it is a very freeing tool. If you need some help in this area, please contact the church office. There are some individuals in our church body who have made themselves available for such counsel.

More could be said, but this hopefully provides some practical starting points. A key in all of this is to realize that God calls us to be proactive and purposeful with our finances, not reactive and haphazard. Even so, please know that handling our finances in a God-glorifying way is not an overnight process. It takes planning, diligence, and patience. But God is gracious and merciful, and able to give us all His wisdom, strength, and help as we seek to be good stewards of what He’s entrusted to us – for His glory, the spread of the Gospel, and the blessing of others!

Growing with you,

Thursday, December 20th began as a normal day. I had my thoughts together about what I was going to preach on and was about to study. All that changed; however, when I heard the news of a tragedy that happened on the church property the previous night.

On Wednesday night, just before 11:00 pm, a horrific accident occurred near our church property. A vehicle with 9 teenagers was struck by an apparently drunk driver who ran a red light. The force of the crash threw the vehicle with the teens onto our lawn. One of the teens (Scott Crouch, Jr.) died instantly at the scene. The rest were injured, some in critical condition. In the aftermath of this trauma, many students gathered on our church lawn Thursday. All of them were understandably dazed, grieved, and confused. They created a memorial with flowers, balloons, pictures, etc. at a light pole near the crash site. I had opportunity to meet some of them, express care and hurt for what they were going through, and pray for them.

Candlelight vigils took place on our church lawn for the next few nights. A number of people in our church mobilized to provide hot cocoa, cookies, and fire pits to give warmth during the chilly evenings. The largest gathering occurred Thursday night, with 125-150 people present.

On Thursday afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit Scott’s home. He lived with his dad (Scott Sr.), and his mom and older sister were also there. I listened, again expressed care and hurt for what they were going through, shared Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble,” and prayed.

I was asked to officiate the Memorial Service, which took place on Saturday, December 9th. Because of the expected large attendance, the service took place at a bigger church near ours. There were probably 700-800 in attendance. Scott’s life was remembered and celebrated. Some of his friends put together a slide show of pictures from throughout his life, a number of friends and family shared eulogies (including some very special and moving words from his father), and special songs were sung. Among other things, Scott was a passionate baseball player and fan, and his family asked that we have a “7th Inning Stretch” somewhere in the service. So midway through the service, that’s exactly what we did – everyone stood up and we sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Needless to say, that was a first for me!

I shared a brief message in which, by God’s strength, I sought to give a clear and simple presentation of the gospel. I set things up by sharing some of my own testimony, as it was in the fall of my senior year in high school that God brought me to saving faith. A pivotal event leading to my conversion was having two friends die in a car accident after they had been hit by a drunk driver. The accident occurred after a number of us had worked all night together at a fast-food restaurant, and it really shocked me into reality. I vividly remember thinking “is this all there is?” What a privilege some 30 years later to be able to share with the people gathered for the service that true hope, ultimate comfort, and lasting joy is found only in knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.

There are many ministry needs and opportunities related to this accident that I’m sure will carry on for a long time to come. The other students in the accident are all expected to recover, though three remain hospitalized. As God brings these matters to your mind, your ongoing prayers will be much appreciated. May God be exalted and His grace extended in the lives of all these dear people.

It struck me a few days after the accident occurred that Jesus was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Is. 53:3). This is certainly what we who are His disciples will share in more and more fully as He accomplishes His work in and through us.

In His Grip,

Hydraulic power represents an amazing display of overwhelming strength. We recently rented a hydraulic wood-splitter to cut wood for the winter. Wow!! While no human being could split a 20-inch round of wood with their bare hands, the hydraulic wedge can cut through it with as much effort as it takes a hot knife to slice through butter. The wood might prevail against lesser foes, but it is easily humbled before the power of hydraulics. And my back sure is thankful!

In an infinitely greater way, God’s power is supreme over all. His power is displayed in every realm of His creation. But God’s power is not simply an “out there” reality that we can observe and be awed by as His power is revealed in creation. His power is also very personal in this sobering way: He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

The essence of all sin is pride. Pride passionately seeks to exalt self and, therefore, pride rebels against the absolute authority of God. Pride might be expressed in many different “socially acceptable” ways in a person’s life. Thus, it can often exist undetected in our lives, but it is fully known by the One who sees and searches all, and who is able to humble those who walk in pride.

One of the most graphic examples of God’s power to humble the proud concerns His dealings with King Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in Daniel 4. Double-Quadruple WOW!! This king was unparalleled in his earthly glory and might. The extent of his power and the expanse of his kingdom were staggering. But he was a proud man who did not give glory to God. So God humbled him. Big time. For seven years, God caused him to lose his mind and become like a beast of the field.

King Nebuchadnezzar would not humble himself, so God did. Through his painful experience, the king eventually repented and gave glory to God (Dan. 4:1-3; 34-37).

God is still active and powerful in humbling those who walk in pride. Everyone. As Scripture declares:

“…at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

God’s power is infinite and eternal, and cannot ultimately be resisted by any. But rather than being subject to His humbling work in discipline and judgment, God graciously invites people to humble themselves under His mighty hand (1 Pet. 5:6). To humble oneself, is to openly acknowledge and glorify Him as Lord. It is to trust Him with absolute confidence and joyfully submit to His word. It is to fully and gratefully receive by faith all the blessings and privileges of eternal life that God has given in Christ. It is to rejoice in our God-given weakness and frailty that we might know His all-sufficient power to supply.

A mechanic in an old automotive repair commercial often said this: “you can pay me now, or you can pay me later.” The same can be said for this matter of humility before God – you can humble yourself now, or wait for God to humble you later. One way or another, God will humble all. May you know the joy and peace of being humble under His mighty hand.

Growing in Grace with You,

(Taken from The Valley of Vision, Arthur Bennet, ed., The Banner of Truth Trust: 1975, 2002, pgs.264-265)

O Lord, in prayer I launch far out into the eternal world, and on that broad ocean my soul triumphs over all evils on the shores of mortality. Time, with its gay amusements and cruel disappointments never appears so inconsiderate as then.

In prayer I see myself as nothing; I find my heart going after Thee with intensity, and long with vehement thirst to live to Thee. Blessed be the strong gales of the Spirit that speed me on my way to the New Jerusalem.

In prayer all things here below vanish, and nothing seems important but holiness of heart and the salvation of others.

In prayer all my worldly cares, fears, anxieties disappear, and are of as little significance as a puff of wind.

In prayer my soul inwardly exults with lively thoughts at what Thou art doing for Thy church, and I long that Thou shouldest get Thyself a great name from sinners returning to Zion.

In prayer I am lifted above the frowns and flatteries of life, and taste heavenly joys; entering into the eternal world I can give myself to Thee with all my heart, to be Thine for ever.

In prayer I can place all my concerns in Thy hands, to be entirely at Thy disposal, having no will or interest of my own.

In prayer I can intercede for my friends, ministers, sinners, the church, Thy kingdom to come, with greatest freedom, ardent hopes, as a son to his father, as a lover to the beloved.

Help me to be all prayer and never to cease praying.

Growing in the grace of prayer with you,

In our June and July newsletters, I shared in detail about the Elder’s decision to move ahead prayerfully and actively in hiring a full-time Associate Pastor at RCG. We are confident in the Lord’s timing and provision regarding this, and look forward to how He will continue to build His church among us as we seek Him.

Having hopefully given clarity about the nature of this new position, and why we believe it is so important at this time in the life of RCG, I’d like to now address a very pecific, tangible reality: this is going to cost a lot of money!

As most of you know, we have provided for this new position in our 2007-2008 fiscal year budget. That began July 1. Including salary, benefits, taxes, insurance, and other operating costs, the total package is in excess of $70,000 annually. Our General Fund budget was intentionally streamlined in many areas to make room for this significant addition. Even so, our current budget represents a 15.6% increase over last year’s budget. This means our monthly need has gone from $19,867 last fiscal year to $22,958 this fiscal year, or an increase in our monthly need of $3,091.

I bring this to your attention because the other Elders and myself are concerned that our current giving trends are not sufficient for what we believe our needs are as a church. During the first 3 months of this fiscal year (July, August, and September), our total General Fund giving was $62,291. This figure is $6,583 less than our monthly need will be with the new position. What this means practically is that right now current giving would not support the addition of another full-time pastoral position. (Please note that while our giving is falling short of our monthly budget need, all of our current
expenses are being met. We are committed to never spending more than we have. Again, our concern is the church’s ability to cover the cost of adding an Associate Pastor in the future.)

In light of these things, I want to ask a simple question: are you giving financially to the ministry of RCG as God would have you? Scripture clearly reveals the truth that our giving (which isn’t limited to finances, but certainly includes finances) is an aspect of our worship and gratitude to God. There are many biblical examples in both the Old and New Testaments which indicate that while God is the Giver and Supplier of all things, He works in and through the hearts of His people in giving (see Ex. 25:1,2; 35:5,21; Acts 2:44,45; 1 Cor. 16:1-4). Scripture also makes it clear that nothing so
indicates the true priorities of our hearts as much as where we spend the money that God has entrusted to us. Jesus said it this way in Mt. 6:19-21:

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Likewise, God does not simply encourage us to give or suggest that it might be a good thing to do, He commands us to give! Hear what He says through Paul in 1 Tim. 6:17-19:

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (Note that being “rich” in this context is having anything more than the basic necessities of life.)

These truths indicate that the real question for all of us is not primarily “am I giving financially to the ministry of RCG as God would have me to?”, but rather, “where is the treasure of my heart – in the things of God in heaven, or in the things of men on this earth? Am I being obedient to the Lord’s commands in the area of financial giving?”

Our conviction that we are in desperate need of a full-time Associate Pastor centers upon our hearts’ desire to see God exalted as His grace and truth in Jesus Christ abounds in and overflows to more and more people. As the size of our church body has increased and continues to increase, there are simply more shepherding, equipping, discipling, training, caring, and ministering needs among us than one full-time pastor, two part-time support staff, and numerous volunteers can adequately respond to. We need more pastoral leadership.

In closing, let me reiterate that we are confident that God will supply exactly what we need, when we need it. He knows best the “what,” and “who” and “when” in all of this. At the same time, we know that He works through His people, so we want to encourage you to prayerfully consider what God would have for you in these matters.

I know I speak for all the Elders in saying it is such a joy and privilege to serve among you – all for your blessing and His glory!

In His grip,

On Sunday mornings throughout this last summer, we’ve been giving our attention to Christ’s commandment in John 13:34-35:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

We’ve taken many weeks to consider all the implications of this obligation to love one another, using 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as our primary text in understanding the various dimensions of this Christ-centered love believers are to have with one another –

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

With our “Summer of Love” series now completed, it seems fitting to let C.H. Spurgeon share some final thoughts related to the role of the Holy Spirit in developing this kind of love among believers. This quote is from a sermon delivered by Mr. Spurgeon on September 4, 1881, entitled, “Love’s Labours”:

What does this teach us at the outset, but that a salvation which leads to this must be of God, and must be wrought in us by his power? Such a comely grace can never grow out of our fallen nature. Shall such a clean thing as this be brought out of an unclean? This glorious salvation unto pure love must be grasped by faith, and wrought in us by the operation of the Spirit of God. If we consider salvation to be a little thing, we bring it, as it were, within the sphere of human possibility, but if we set it forth in its true proportions as involving the possession of a pure, loving, elevated state of heart, then we perceive that it is a divine wonder. When we estimate the renewed nature aright we cry, “This is the finger of God,” and right gladly do we then subscribe to Jonah’s creed, “Salvation is of the Lord.” If charity be in any man and abound, God must have the glory of it; for assuredly it was never attained by mere natural effort, but must have been bestowed by that same hand which made the heavens. So then, brethren, I shall hope when I conclude to leave upon your minds the impression of your need of the grace of God for the attainment of love. I would not discourage you, but I would have you feel how great a labour lies before you, and how impossible it will be unless you are girt with a strength beyond your own. This shall be your solace that if it cannot be the outcome of your own effort, yet “the fruit of the Spirit is love,” and the Spirit is ready and willing to bear fruit in us also.

May He indeed bear much fruit among us, for His glory and the blessing of many!

Growing with you,