Redemption in Christ entails the transformation of human desires so that God’s people love what God loves and desire what he desires. Ironically, while some couples desire the blessing of children, infertility and pregnancy loss are reminders to us that we are, with the entire cosmos, “groaning together in the pains of childbirth” as we wait eagerly for “the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:20-23).

This Sunday will be our second in a series by the title, “Timely Topics for Young Families.” This week we address the topic of infertility and pregnancy loss. Our guest will be Dr. Bill Cutrer. Dr. Cutrer attends Highview Baptist Church with his family and is a professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In preparation for this Sunday’s visit, Dr. Cutrer sends his greetings,

Greetings in the name of our Lord,
I’m honored to be invited to speak to you on the topics of infertility and pregnancy loss this Sunday. These problems are sadly very common, with many couples facing these tragedies as the first major crisis as husband and wife. We’ll consider the definitions, diagnosis, and treatment options available to couples in the midst of this pain; hopefully encouraging them and equipping you to minister God’s grace to the hurting families. Men and women process this pain so differently, that marriages suffer deeply, and the Christian community can genuinely make a huge impact for good. Come with questions, be comfortable with some difference of perspective, and let’s honor the Lord together.

In His Grace, Dr. Bill Cutrer

Dr. Cutrer comes to us an an expert in this area both as a medical doctor and as a Christian theologian and counselor. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Dr. Cutrer’s background and ministry, the the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary website provides a helpful overview,

Dr. Cutrer is a the first medical doctor to join the faculty at Southern. After a successful medical career as an obstetrician, he served as senior pastor of Wildwood Baptist Church in Texas and as director of the Christian Medical/Dental Society in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. He has been a guest lecturer at numerous colleges, churches and institutions. In addition, he has had conferences on various topics, including Medical Marriage Seminars, Ethics in Medicine and Wellness Lifestyle. Dr. Cutrer has been the author or co-author of several publications, such as When Empty Arms Become a Heavy Burden: Encouragement for Couples Suffering from Infertility, and has had extensive missionary experience in a variety of countries.

Tragically, the curse of sin entails “pain in child bearing” and, for some, the struggle or inability to conceive new life at all. May the struggle of some to be “fruitful and multiply” rebound to God’s glory in a greater manifestation of “the fruit of righteousness that comes trough Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:9-11). There is glory on the other side of every cross.

Looking forward, with you, to Dr. Cutrer’s visit,

Trent