July 21, 2023
Hi Radiant!
“We, as a species, are on a quest to do magic.”
That’s what Andy Crouch says. Crouch is a Christian cultural commentator who writes about the connection between faith and technology.
Crouch maintains that human long for magic, which is basically the promise of “effortless power.”
From Alchemy (the ancient quest to turn raw materials into gold), to spells, incantations, to modern forms of magic: Roombas, the iPhone, and the newest form of magic, A.I. — we are on an ever-elusive search for that new discovery that will unlock the life we all crave.
In the first century AD, the quest for magic was particularly strong in the city of Ephesus. Coastal Ephesus was a hotbed sorcery and idolatry, anchored by the massive temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
It’s fascinating, in Acts 19 — a riot breaks out because of the great numbers of renouncing magic because of their faith in Jesus.
Those who profited from an economic system based on selling idols and magic scrolls rally a crowd to violently protest these practitioners of the Way. The “Way” was causing too great a disruption — and hurting the bottom line.
It turns out many in Ephesus had discovered that there was something better than magic.
Jesus didn’t (and doesn’t) offer magic. He offers something much better: the life we are actually looking for.
It’s life where we don’t have to hide. It’s a life that learns to be comfortable with our limits. It’s a life that isn’t dependent upon the right incantation or sacrifice — but one found in grace.
Instead longing for a life that doesn’t and can’t exist — Jesus offers us himself in the very life we have.
More that that, we in fact are promised a new kind of power, the power that comes from God with us.
Better than magic.
More on this soon — See you Sunday at 5!
SUMMER EVENTS CALENDAR (see below for details)
*Summer Youth Events –High School and Middle School contact Ulisses Vasquez for updates: 209.541.8536
7/25 – Emotionally Healthy Spirituality 6:30-8PM
7/26 – Men’s Gathering 6-7AM at ELC
8/3 – Trivia Night (in support of World Relief)
8/6 – Child Dedications during worship — let Zach know if you are interested.
8/18-19 – The Missio Conference (a collaborative event with Covenant Grove and Modesto Covenant Church).
9/29-10/1 – Women’s Conference at Mission SpringsTRIVIA NIGHT – 8/3 – 7PM
Sign up now! Invite your friends! Tuesday, August 3rd at Contentment Brewing Company. Test your knowledge, win prizes, raise money for local refugees as we raise money for World Relief Modesto. Sign up at linktr.ee/radcov
THE MISSIO CONFERENCE – 8/18-8/19
This is exciting. We are joining forces with our Covenant brothers and sisters at Modesto Covenant Church and Covenant Grove to go deeper in Christ and further in mission together. This will be a Friday and Saturday in-town conference shared across our three sites. This is all about creating space for the Holy Spirit to encourage, empower, and equip us for participating in God’s mission in Modesto and beyond. Click here to learn more about schedule, speakers, and to register.
MEN’S GATHERING THIS WEDNESDAY – 6-7AM
Coffee, Donuts, Jesus — it’s a good combo. All guys are welcome to join us this Wednesday from 6-7AM at ELC.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE AT MISSION SPRINGS 9/29 – 10/1
Registration for our conference’s Covenant Women’s Conference is now open. This conference will take place at the beautiful Mission Springs Conference in Scotts Valley, CA. This will also be a weekend of encouragement, fellowship, and rich memory-building, all with one goal in mind, that you leave Mission Springs knowing that you are loved by God and your purpose is to love others. Click here to learn more about speakers and worship and to register.
BAND APP
One way to connect at Radiant is to join our BAND APP group. Think of this as a sort of Radiant message board — our own little social media space. People can extend invites, share about needs and resources, and commit to pray for one another. Please join us! https://band.us/n/adaa739aX4Rca
GIVING
Here’s the online link for giving, tithes, and offerings. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in ministry.
Grace and Peace!
Zach
