As Quasimodo, the hunched-back of Notterdam, looked at Esmeralda’s beautiful face, he said: “Till now I did not know how ugly I was”. Comparison and contrast help to shed light on reality.

Between 2:30 AM and 5:15 AM this morning I was prompted by the Lord to hear two sermons of my son-in-law over the internet. I wanted to know what he had to say on I Samuel 16 on the matter of the Spirit of the Lord coming in power over David and the Spirit of the Lord leaving Saul and an evil spirit from God coming over Saul to torment Him.

I just happened to preach on the subject of “*What kind of spirit governs your life”* last Sunday and I was praised by the young and old of our congregation including my wife, whose feed- back is either a passing or flunking grade to me.

But after hearing Matthew’s sermon on the same passage and the insights from God in his sermon, I was truly humbled by the mind of Christ that governs Matthew’s life and ministry. At the same time I was so proud to have a member of my family lifting the name of Jesus so clearly and boldly… as we all ought to.

As a missionary I have been in churches large and small in many countries around the World. I have heard the great ones of Christendom of our generation preach. And I count the Rev. Matthew Cotta from Grace Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Hanover Park, Illinois, as one of them. I don’t hesitate to say that Matthew can fit comfortably in any pulpit today because his confidence rests in knowing nothing but Christ and Him crucified.

This letter, which started as a confession and conviction to do more homework before I preach, in order to look more like Esmeralda and less like the Hunchback of Notterdam is becoming more like a commercial for Matthew. The fact is, that a younger man whom I sought I was mentoring, has become my mentor, and I am so happy to be fed by him and want to recommend anyone to visit his website to taste for yourselves from over two hundred of Matthew’s sermons which you will find on the Internet.

www.graceopchurch.org

Then click on “Sermons” and you can choose any of the many titles.

I did not want to be disobedient to the Lord’s prompting at not sharing/this blessing with you, my dear friend. Furthermore, I stand behind Matt’s sound theology wholeheartedly.

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Gerry Gutierrez

PS. Before I sent this letter to you, I ask Nathaniel my son who is going to Semminary at Westminster West in California and to my son in law Matthew Cotta if it would be okay to send this letter “A humbling Experience” to some good friends of mine and some churches. The following were their answer. I share this PS. notes in order that you may have a peek into the heart of this two wonderful men with whom the Lord has bless me.

Hey dad, I just listened to one of Matt’s sermons this past Sunday as well, and I felt very much the same way. If a lawyer spends hours and hours working on his argument and presentation, for things that have no eternal consequence, how much more do we as pastors need to devote more time to the pulpit! Thank you for this wonderful reminder. I love the humility, and exultation of Christ! Amen and amen!

Send it off papa!
Love you,
Nathaniel

Dad,
Hearing you say these things about me truly encourages me in the Lord. I would never consider my sermons as Esmeralda’s to your Quasimodo’s however...more like Jonathan's to your David’s. After all, every time we are together you constantly preach Christ to me. If anyone has beat into me like a drum the necessity of the centrality of Jesus Christ in all things it has been you.

Knowing that not only you, but many of your close friends will be listening to my sermons is something of a "humbling experience" for me as well. At least we can both rest in the knowledge that our Lord is actually pleased to make use of humble jars of clay in His glorious ministry to His people. With thanksgiving,
Your Son in Christ,
Matt