November 2026 LiNK

Peter Ruchti: In 2008, Gospel Community leader, Peter Ruchti, started a Facebook "Cause" called "Put Christ Back Into Schools". It grew organically to 1,700,000 members by 2011, at which point he handed it over. Below is a screenshot of the group's reach.

Side by Side, Chapters 1-4
For some of us, recognizing that we're needy is easy. For others' it's a bit harder. Chapters 1 and 2 help us see how our lives and our hearts are needy. The diagnostic on page 25 was helpful for me, namely seeing how our emotions give us a window into our hearts:

When happy, we possess something we love; when anxious, something we love is at risk; when despondent, something we love has been lost; when angry, something we love is being stolen or kept from us.

But in the midst of life challenges and heart struggles, our greatest and deepest need is our sin (chapter 4). The more we're able to notice and articulate our sin, the more we'll be able to receive Jesus' forgiveness, and expereince the freedom the gospel offers. Chapter 3 is a helpful tool on how to use Psalm 22 as an example and guide to bring our need to God.

Overall, my hope is that these chapters continue to highlight how our neediness is a real part of our lives that doesn't have to be hidden, but in fact, something to recognize and own, as a means of depending on the Lord and sharing with others.