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The Crosslife Connection

July 1, 2026

Pastor’s Reflection

Have You Stopped Being Amazed?

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to stop being amazed?

Many people visit the Grand Canyon for the very first time and stand in awe of its beauty. They pull out their phones, take pictures, and quietly take in the breathtaking view before them. It is one of those rare places that leaves you almost speechless.

But I've also noticed something else. After about thirty minutes, the excitement begins to wear off. People begin talking about the gift shop or the next destination on their itinerary. The Grand Canyon hasn't become any less magnificent. They have simply become accustomed to it.

I've been to the Grand Canyon more than a dozen times, but not just to stand at the rim. I've hiked down into it a handful of times, and I can tell you they're two completely different experiences. Standing at the top is impressive. Walking into the canyon is transformative.

As you descend, every turn reveals something you couldn't see from above. The deeper you go, the more you appreciate its depth, its silence, its colors, its scale, and its beauty. You begin to realize that everything you saw from the rim was only a glimpse of what was really there.

Hidden deep inside is Havasu Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen. The first time I saw it, I was captivated. That's why I willingly endured the eight-hour hike more than once. That's why I couldn't stop talking about it. Friends from California even came to visit me when I lived in Arizona just so we could hike there together.

When you discover something that beautiful, you don't mind the journey. In fact, you want others to experience it too.

The same thing can happen with God. We hear the gospel every Sunday. We sing the same songs. We recite familiar verses. We know the stories of Noah, David, Daniel, and Jesus so well that they no longer surprise us. We become fluent in the language of Christianity while slowly losing our wonder.

James gives us a sobering reminder: "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder." (James 2:19)

The demons know God exists. They know His power. They know His holiness. But they do not love the God they know. The difference between a Christian and a demon is not information.It is affection. One hates the God he knows. The other loves the God who first loved him.b That's James' warning to us.

The greatest danger for a church is not always false teaching. Sometimes it is becoming so familiar with the truth that it no longer moves our hearts. It is possible to know the Bible better than ever while loving Christ less than before.

Many Christians spend their lives standing at the edge of the gospel. They admire it from a distance but never walk deeper into the immeasurable riches of Christ. The Christian life isn't about finding something better than the gospel. It's about discovering there is always more of the gospel to discover.

The Grand Canyon never became more magnificent with each hike. I simply discovered more of the beauty that had always been there.

Christ is the same. He does not become more glorious as we follow Him. He has always been infinitely glorious. The deeper we walk with Him, the more we discover the beauty of His grace, mercy, wisdom, and love. Perhaps your wonder has faded. If so, maybe the problem isn't that you've seen too much of Jesus.

Perhaps you've only been standing at the rim.

Soli Gloria Deo,

Pastor Isaac

Weekly Quotes

“Today you will envy the blessings of another, or you will bask in the wonder of the amazing grace you have been given.” — Paul Tripp

“Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. Your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” — Jerry Bridges

Prayer Requests 🙏

Our city and state, our government. For our leaders to serve with courage, humbleness and integrity. (1 Tim 2:1-2)
Our church, pastors and leaders, congregation members–for revival, renewal and unity.
Marian’s health as she is in chronic pain and is in need of healing and strength!
For Katie, Marian’s granddaughter, who is pregnant, Please pray for a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Danny Ha who is in Dubai for work. Things in the Middle East are in turmoil. Pray that the Lord will keep him safe and full of wisdom.
Our upcoming Praise & Prayer in July.

Announcements 🗓️

We will have Morning Prayer the third Saturday of this month on July 18th at 6AM instead of our usual Praise and Prayer Night. Join us for a time for prayer and early morning fellowship.
Membership class for Crosslife will take place this Sunday and next Sunday, July 5th & 12th. It will cover our vision, theology, and practice. If you’re interested, keep a look out for the sign up in the coming weeks.
The graduating youth members will be joining Crosslife on Sunday August 2nd. Let's embrace them and welcome them into our ministry!
Joint service for our church anniversary on July 12 @ 11am in the main sanctuary.
CG is taking a short break. We will resume again in September!
Mark your calendars! Our annual Summer Kickoff event will be on Sunday, July 19th. We will have food, drinks, and fun activities!
Sermon Recordings - Sermon recordings are available on Spotify and Youtube!
Online Giving - Tithe.ly is the primary app used for online giving (Tithes and Offerings). Search Gardena Presbyterian Church. If you have questions, please forward your questions to John.
Crosslife Newsletter - Please give your email to Angie if you’re not yet part of the mailing list!
Our website is live! www.crosslifegpc.com

1340 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247 | Sunday Service @ 11:30AM | (424)237-8070 crosslifegpc.com | crosslifechristianfellowship@gmail.com

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