You gotta have faith, faith, faith
We often enjoy a poem during our services at Redeemer Church London, and this latest offering from STEVE PAGE entitled ‘Faith’ was read last Sunday.
We often enjoy hearing poetry during our services at Redeemer Church London, and this latest offering from STEVE PAGE was read last Sunday.
One of his prompts came from Romans 1:17 (‘the righteous shall live by faith’), where the gospel reveals that a righteousness from God is obtained by faith.
His second can be found in Joshua 3:13-17, where the path to the promised land was through the River Jordan – showing that sometimes, you have to get your feet wet!
You can enjoy Steve’s poem in full here:
FAITH
My faith is the certainty that gives me clarity to see
that there’s a path just beneath the current uncertainty.
My faith is a step, a one step at a time
not much of a leap, but me taking God's hand with mine.
My faith is a day-by-day hand-holding,
a minute-by-minute, front-foot treading of my boot in his footmarks
left for me as a blessing.
My faith is a choosing that needs repeated repeating,
a daily seating at his feet
It's no fleeting feeling,
it’s a morning-and-evening,
sometimes weeping
with both-knees kneeing.
Our faith is a decision
and decisions were made to be made,
so pray,
take him at his word and take the next step,
but don’t be surprised if you get both feet wet.
Because that is where you’ll find Jesus -
at the point where you're most at risk of getting out of your depth.
Our faith is the certainty
that gives us clarity to trust
that whatever our paths,
our God has gone before us.
#RedeemerRecommends - Two Blogs to Help Us Fast Well
Today on #RedeemerRecommends, we share two blogs from thinktheology.co.uk which we hope will encourage you to fast with us this lent!
This Lent, we are encouraging you to join with others at Redeemer and dedicate yourself to fasting for a day! You might choose a one off day between now and Easter, or aim to fast one day a week for the next 6 weeks, either way you can sign up and let us know you’re joining us below…
On Tuesday we published a blog all about why we’re choosing to focus on Lent this year, but we also wanted to share two blogs with you from Tim Jones over at thinktheology.co.uk. These posts educate us on what Fasting is, why we should be doing it, and how to make the most of the fasting process.
Below is a link to the first post, which focuses on the Spiritual basis of fasting, and how it can benefit us as followers of Jesus (including why that isn’t really the point!)
Tim’s second blog speaks to the practical issues of fasting, and answers some FAQs, with some tips for fully engaging in fasting wisely.
We hope these blogs help to encourage you to join us as we fast this lent, and look forward to praying with you!
Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 6
As we finish reading 1 Timothy, Toby prays that we might be those whose perspective is an eternal one, not focused on earthly things.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Timothy, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from 1 Timothy 6.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Paul calls God “blessed”: “. . . he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Why is God blessed, and what does that mean? The answers to these questions are the source of great Christian comfort and happiness.
Read the rest of this blog post on how we experience divine happiness below.
Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 5
This morning as we read 1 Timothy 5, Nathanael helps us to see that our relationships with each other within the church are just as crucial as those we have with our earthly families. He also asks how we might reach out to someone within our church family this week?
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Timothy, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Nathanael as he shares with us from 1 Timothy 5.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul talks about the process of appointing and disciplining those in eldership. Which begs the question, is there a different process of church discipline for those who are elders, than for the rest of the church?
Erik Raymond’s blog answers that question well, and is linked below.
Erik Raymond is the senior pastor at Redeemer Fellowship Church in Metro Boston. He and his wife, Christie, have six children. He blogs at Ordinary Pastor. You can follow him on Twitter.
Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 4
As we read 1 Timothy 4 together, Josh reminds us of the importance of living godly lives, and the witness this can be to those around us!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Timothy, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Josh as he shares with us from 1 Timothy 4.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In the preach below from 2017, Steve Palframan, senior pastor of Aigburth Community Church in Liverpool, teaches us how to Train for Godliness - as we are instructed to do in 1 Timothy 4.
Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 3
As we read 1 Timothy 3 together, Muyiwa talks to us about how this passage can help us to become effective leaders, wherever we find ourselves!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Timothy, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Muyiwa as he shares with us from 1 Timothy 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In 1 Timothy 3:14-16, Paul describes the church as the pillar and foundation of truth! Paul’s passion for the church is mirrored in the below article, entitled ‘The Church: A Hidden Glory’
Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 2
As we continue to read 1 Timothy together, Brittany tackles a tough chapter in 1 Timothy 2, reminding us not to shy away from the parts of scripture which make us ask questions, and to trust God and his design for life.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Timothy, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Brittany as she shares with us from 1 Timothy 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
One of the most controversial passages of scripture in recent years has been 1 Timothy 2:12, and there have been many discussions about what this verse means for women in the church. If you’re interested in looking into this verse in more detail one great place to start is this blog from Andrew Wilson, who is now the teaching pastor at King’s Church London.
Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 1
As we begin to read 1 Timothy together, Winnie reminds us that we don't have to be perfect to fulfil the role that God has called us to do!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Timothy, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Winnie as she shares with us from 1 Timothy 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Today we start reading 1 Timothy together, watch the video below to see an overview of the book, which breaks down its literary design and its flow of thought. In 1 Timothy, Paul shows Timothy how to restore order and purpose to the church in Ephesus which has been disrupted by false teachers.
Redeemer reads 2 Thessalonians 3
In today's video as we finish reading 2 Thessalonians together, Anna warns us against being those who grow tired of doing good!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 2 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Anna as she shares with us from 2 Thessalonians 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Paul doesn’t assume laziness must mean lostness, but he’s dead serious that genuine Christians don’t stay lazy.
David Mathis
In the article linked below, David Mathis focuses on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 as he explains that laziness is profoundly unchristian, and how we can confront it in our own lives as followers of Jesus.
Redeemer reads 2 Thessalonians 2
Good morning! Today we are reading 2 Thessalonians 2, and due to a mix up with videos (apologies for the slight delay in releasing this one!) Toby is sharing with us again! This morning he helps us to be encouraged to stand firm in the truth during this time, just as Paul encouraged the church in Thessalonica to do!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 2 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from 2 Thessalonians 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In today’s passage, Paul talks in some detail about the timings of the return of Christ. This is something which definitely demands further study, and a good place to start is this helpful article from Sam Waldron - the president of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary and a pastor of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky. He is the author of numerous books, including The End Times Made Simple.
You will find his blog, entitled - Christ Will Not Return at Any Moment - linked below.
Redeemer reads 2 Thessalonians 1
As we begin to read 2 Thessalonians together, Toby encourages us to practice thanksgiving and gratitude, and to fix our eyes on our eternal hope.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 2 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from 2 Thessalonians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
If we adopt Paul’s eternal perspective, and his practice of thanking God for signs of his grace, what sorts of requests should we present to God?
Find the answer to that question in this excerpt from “Praying with Paul” - an 8 session bible study written by D.A. Carson, a link to which is below.
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 5
As we read 1 Thessalonians 5 this morning, Timali encourages us to follow Paul's advice and live as children of light, full of joy, especially in this challenging time!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Timali as she shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 5.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Brian Davis unpacks what it means to live without grumbling by giving thanks in all things.
“If the Lord is entirely sovereign (which he is), and if he is always good to you in Christ (which he is), well then, when we grumble and complain in any circumstance, we’re actually denying God’s involved. Denying that he’s being good. And who do we think we’re grumbling and complaining against?” — Brian Davis
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 4
Today as we read 1 Thessalonians 4 together, Greg gives us 4 ways in which we can walk in the truth that we read in this chapter!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Greg as he shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 4.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Death does not get the final word for believers. In this edition of his regular video series - Look at the Book - John Piper explains that our tears when someone goes on into glory are bitter and sweet, full of ache and hope, and loss and celebration.
You can find the study guide to go along with this video HERE
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 3
As we read 1 Thessalonians 3 together, Adele helps us to see the parallels between our own isolation during the current pandemic, and Paul's as he was writing this letter to the church in Thessalonica.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Adele as she shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
One of the verses which Adele touches on in her video above is 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - May your love increase and overflow for each other.
Most of us are familiar with the “one another” commands of the New Testament. In the study guide for his book - Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything. Tim Keller helpfully lists these statements under the categories of affirming one another, sharing with one another, and serving one another. These “one another commands” form, he says, “nine ‘community-building practices’—specific behaviors that build Christian community.” For a more detailed unpacking of each point, see pp. 58-71 of the book.
The categories are listed below courtesy of a blog from thegospelcoalition by Justin Taylor which can be found HERE
Affirm
1. Affirm one another’s strengths, abilities, and gifts.
Romans 12:10: “Honor one another”
James 5:9: “Don’t grumble against each other”
Romans 12:3-8: Confirm the gifts of one another
2. Affirm one another’s equal importance in Christ.
Romans 15:7: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you”
1 Corinthians 12:25: “Have equal concern for each other”
1 Peter 5:5: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another”
James 2:1: “Don’t show favoritism”
3. Affirm one another through visible affection.
Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss”
James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak”
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another”
1 Thessalonians 3:12: “[May] your love increase and overflow for each other”
Share
4. Share one another’s space, goods, and time.
Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love”
1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another”
Galatians 6:10: “As we have opportunity, let us do good”
5. Share one another’s needs and problems.
Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens”
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Encourage one another”
Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily”
6. Share one another’s beliefs, thinking, and spirituality.
Colossians 3:16: “Teach and admonish one another”
Ephesians 5:19: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”
Romans 12:16: “Live in harmony with one another”
1 Corinthians 1:10: “Agree with one another”
Serve
7. Serve one another through accountability.
James 5:16: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other”
Romans 15:14: “Instruct one another”
Ephesians 4:25: “Speak truthfully”
8. Serve one another through forgiveness and reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”
Colossians 3:13: “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another”
Galatians 5:25: Don’t provoke or envy one another
James 4:11: “Do not slander one another”
Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15: Reestablish broken relationships with one another
9. Serve one another’s interests rather than our own.
Hebrews 10:24: “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”
Romans 15:1-2: Don’t please yourself but please others
Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another”
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 2
As we continue to read 1 Thessalonians, Richard takes us through chapter 2, and the way Paul displays not just the facts of salvation, but the heart of salvation!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Richard as he shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 2
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Coming Soon
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 1
Today, we continue to follow the CBR Journal reading plan, and we begin the book of 1 Thessalonians! In this video Sam asks us to think about what the phrase 'The Good News of Jesus Christ' means to us.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Sam as he shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
As we begin to read the book of 1 Thessalonians together, watch the video below for an overview of what the book is all about!
Redeemer reads Colossians 4
In today's video, as we finish reading Colossians together, Toby simply prays for us, following Paul's instructions in this final chapter of the book.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from Colossians 4.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
The apostle Paul seems like someone who took the initiative. If we could imagine Paul we would think of a guy who would just parachute into a town and talk to everyone about Jesus before lunch…
But where did Paul’s boldness come from? Find out in this blog by Erik Raymond, based on Colossians 4.
Redeemer reads Colossians 3
Today we're reading Colossians 3, and Ann helps us not to shy away from how this passage challenges us to look at life with an eternal perspective, as well as looking at the importance of strong Christian relationships, which are especially important during this time of isolation when we aren't able to physically meet together!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Ann as she shares with us from Colossians 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Below is a sermon by Leonce Crump - now senior pastor of Renovation Church, Atlanta. He speaks powerfully on Colossians 3:11, on breaking down the walls of racism and classism, becoming part of God’s “New Ethnic”.
Redeemer reads Colossians 2
Today we're reading Colossians 2 together, and Deborah helps us to see that everything we need to know about the character of God the father can be seen through Jesus!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Deborah as she shares with us from Colossians 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
“We come to Jesus like a bird who comes to a bird feeder, pecks at it a little while, and then flies away, off to the next thing. But somebody who has truly beheld Christ for the all-satisfying treasure that he is cannot just fly away.”
In this sermon, Brandon C. Dyer walks through Colossians 2:1-5 to remind us that the biblical Jesus is not an "underwhelming" Jesus.
Redeemer reads Colossians 1
Today we begin reading Colossians together as a church, and Jess tells us about Paul’s inspiring prayer life, that helped him to know Christ was the source of his strength, whatever his circumstance!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Jess as she shares with us from Colossians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Check out this powerful dramatic reading of Colossians 1:15-23
Colossians 1:20 tells us that through Christ, God is reconciling all things. In his book - God the Peacemaker: How Atonement Brings Shalom. Graham Cole expands on this verse, making the argument that the world’s greatest need is shalom, and that God’s aim haas always been to bring peace to the universe. This is an argument which rings particularly true in the light of recent global events. You can find a link to purchase the book below.