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 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 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 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 Philippians 1
Today as we start to read Philippians together Lois helps us to focus on the source of true joy!
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 Philippians, 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 Lois as she shares with us from Philippians 1.
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 talk from 2017, Lutic Mosane, from Christ Church Midrand, South Africa, shares with us what it looks like to be ‘Driven by the Gospel’.
“Freedom for is not the absence of limitation, but the ability to pursue unhindered what we have been created for.” – Lutic Mosoane
Redeemer reads Ephesians 3
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 Ephesians, 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 Vashti as she shares with us from Ephesians 3
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
If you’ve enjoyed Ephesians so far, and would like to go deeper and continue to study it past the beginning of next week, one way to do that would be to get hold of Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee. One of the most famous studies of Ephesians, it opens our eyes to the simple process of maturing as a Christian. Sit (our position in Christ), Walk (our life in the world), Stand (our attitude to the enemy). It’s available for less than £4 on Amazon!
Redeemer reads Ephesians 2
As we read Ephesians 2 together, Ryan talks to us about unity, and how it is rooted in our identity in Christ.
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 Ephesians, 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 Ryan as he shares with us from Ephesians 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
In the video above Ryan helped us to celebrate the unity we step into when we become alive in Christ, and that is the main focus of this John Piper message from 2012, as he helps us understand 9 obstacles to racial unity.
Also, check out this dramatic reading of Ephesians 2:1-8!
Redeemer reads Ephesians 1
In our first video on Ephesians, Anna encourages us to focus on what Paul says about our identity in Christ!
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 Ephesians, 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 Ephesians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Jonathan Griffiths serves as lead pastor of the Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Canada. He previously served on the staff of the Proclamation Trust here in London, studied theology at Oxford and Cambridge universities and is the author of a number of books—most recently, Preaching in the New Testament (IVP, 2017).
In this sermon on Ephesians 1:15–23, he talks about the need for our hearts to be enlightened to see the beauty of our salvation.
Redeemer reads Galatians 4
Today as we read Galatians 4 as a church, Ross & Hannah help to remind us it’s not about us, but all about Jesus, and that through him we are made heirs of God’s incredible promises!
Welcome! Over the next week we will be reading through the book of Galatians together as a church! We’ll be reading a chapter each week day, beginning on Friday the 15th of May, and concluding on Friday the 22nd. We’re following the reading plan in the CBR Journal, which can also be found HERE.
Each day a member of the Redeemer family will be sharing with us some thoughts in video form, which can be seen above, previous days videos can be found on our Youtube channel. We’ll also be publishing blogs with more thoughts on the passages we’ve read, along with some ideas for those who want to study the passage further. We’re really looking forward to seeing God bear fruit in and through us as a church as we read his word, even during this challenging time.
Today Ross & Hannah will be sharing with us their thoughts on Galatians 4 in the video above.
Today’s chapter of Galatians sees a continuation of Paul’s desire to prevent the Galatian church from coming back under the law, but he uses a new tactic! He has previously talked about justification, but now he begins to talk about freedom, and that the choice to live under the law is like choosing to return to being slaves! At the root of Paul’s argument here is the fundamental change in identity that occurs when we choose to believe the truth of the gospel. We are now children of God!
When Jesus won the victory over sin and death, he won for us adoption, out of the slavery we were living in, and into true freedom as God’s sons and daughters.
The first 11 verses of this chapter are split into two sections, verses 1-7 talk about how we have been brought into sonship by Christ. In verses 1-2 Paul explains how the Jewish people were like heirs who are children when they lived under the law, that they were being pointed in the direction of the true freedom they could one day receive, but still living lives similar to those lived by slaves, because of the rules they had to follow. But this status was changed when Jesus died, as he redeemed those who had been living under the law, and had not lived up to its impossible standard. As believers in Christ we are no longer living like children under the law, but instead are sons, and are guided by the Holy Spirit, the presence of the living Jesus is within us!
Verses 8-11 go on to talk about the temptation to return, which is not only about returning to being under the law, but is also aimed at those who are Gentiles (which includes us!), and warns them about returning to being enslaved to the false gods of this world. But there is also a threat that we can fall into the same trap as the Jewish people too, we can start to think that living as a Christian is about doing whatever you can to increase your own stature in the eyes of other christians and even in the eyes of God. It is so crucial that we don’t fall down this rabbit hole, but instead choose to use the truth in this passage to remind us that we don’t need to prove our worth to receive God’s incredible gift of grace to us.
Further Study
If you have enjoyed reading Galatians with us over the last week or so, but would like to spend more time studying the text and exploring it at a deeper theological level, then good news!
Dr. Douglas Moo, Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School, is an acknowledged expert in the writings and theology of Paul. His commentary on Romans is among the best ever written, and he is working on a new commentary on Galatians. In the freely available course linked below, Professor Moo - in association with The Gospel Coalition - will walk you through the book of Galatians and will spend considerable time summarizing Paul’s basic theology.
Redeemer reads Galatians 2
This morning as we read Galatians 2 together Naomi encourages us to focus on Jesus and our faith in him, rather than our own works…
Welcome! Over the next week we will be reading through the book of Galatians together as a church! We’ll be reading a chapter each week day, beginning on Friday the 15th of May, and concluding on Friday the 22nd. We’re following the reading plan in the CBR Journal, which can also be found HERE.
Each day a member of the Redeemer family will be sharing with us some thoughts in video form, which can be seen above, previous days videos can be found on our Youtube channel. We’ll also be publishing blogs with more thoughts on the passages we’ve read, along with some ideas for those who want to study the passage further. We’re really looking forward to seeing God bear fruit in and through us as a church as we read his word, even during this challenging time.
Today Naomi will be sharing with us her thoughts on Galatians 2 in the video above.
On Friday Noble helped us to focus on Paul’s opening point in his letter to the Galatians - the fact that the gospel is so important because it hasn’t come from any man, but from God himself! There has clearly been some false teaching going on and we hear about it again today in verse 4 - This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.
Today we read as Paul goes deeper into the gospel, and establishes just how it opposes these false teachings we’ve been hearing about. This is the cornerstone of Galatians, and it’s a fantastic passage!
One thing that I am challenged by in this passage is the actions of Peter, because it reminds me how important it is to understand the radical nature of God’s grace! It can be so easy as Christians to fall into the trap of thinking that Gods acceptance of us is dependent on our level of effort or achievement. When we truly understand grace we know that our ability to come before God is totally a work of Jesus, and not at all down to us! We are justified because we are IN Christ! We can never be more accepted by God than we are right now. This is a great encouragement for me, and I hope it is for you too, whatever kind of weekend you’ve had. Know that you can come before God right now and be met with his amazing grace!
Finally, as Naomi has highlighted in her video above, this passage is one that reminds me of God’s love! It is quite easy to imagine a God who loves those who follow him in a general, one size fits all kind of way, but the moment that the love of God really transforms you is when you realise it’s a personal love. At the end of this chapter Paul reveals this incredible truth in verse 20, which I hope brings you great joy as you start your week today.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 13
In our final day reading 2 Corinthians together, JC helps us to be thankful for the book, and we read of the way that the gospel should transform our relationships within the church!
Welcome! Today we finish reading 2 Corinthians together as a church! We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.
This morning JC is sharing with us, you can watch her video above. Read on to hear some more thoughts on the passage, and to get some ideas for further study.
Also, if you’re sad that this season of reading the bible together is over, then keep your eyes peeled for a special announcement later today!
It’s been amazing to read 2 Corinthians together over the last few weeks, I hope that these blogs and videos have really helped you to hear God’s voice and be encouraged and challenged by what he might be saying to you at this time! I know that for myself this has been a book of both reassurance in the sovereignty of God, but also a challenge as to how I am living out my faith right now, especially in the light of current circumstances.
Paul finishes this letter by giving off a similar vibe! He both emphasises that Christ has set the perfect example of strength in weakness by dying on the cross for us (verses 4-5), and also he calls on the church in Corinth to make sure that their faith is genuine and displayed in tangible ways!
In this chapter Paul’s words can seem harsh, especially in verse 2 when he says he will “not spare" those who oppose him! But in reality, it is not through harshness that Paul uses these words, instead it is clear that he cares for each one of them, that he won’t risk a single one of them slipping away from the truth of the gospel by failing to discipline them, even if that is a painful process!
Paul again in this passage refers to his own weakness, on two occasions, in verses 4 & 9. He just cannot get away from this main theme of the letter! But in this chapter he also encourages us that in our weakness we are made to be like Jesus Christ, who is alive today by God’s power! How transformative it would be for our lives if every time we experienced a reminder of our own weakness, we chose to celebrate the fact that we are alive today by the power of God, and that in our weakness we are reflecting more of Jesus to others!
Finally Paul finishes his letter with an inspiring picture of what church life should look like, and one which is a challenge to us today just as much as it was to the Corinthian church! I am lucky enough to be able to say that as part of the Redeemer family I feel I am part of a church which reflects Paul’s vision for the church in verse 11. But the reason that we are able to get close to this picture, is not because of our own strength, but because of the power of the gospel! As we experience the peace which comes from knowing Jesus and his victory, we are able to bring peace to others around us! One theme which runs through the entire New Testament is that our relationship with God should transform our relationships with one another. We are brought full circle at the end of chapter 13 as we are reminded of that verse that we read 2 weeks ago in chapter 1 - called to be those who “comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor 1:4
Again, I hope you have been blessed by these blogs and videos over the last few weeks, I would encourage you to go back over the book again soon if you can, as there will be many ways in which God will continue to speak through his word! For now though, I leave you with the final verse in the book…
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
2 Corinthians 13:14
Further Study
You may indeed be a passionate, fully devoted follower of Jesus. Or, you may be just a fan who admires Jesus but isn’t ready to let him cramp your style. Then again, maybe you’re not into Jesus.
Not a Fan is a book written by Kyle Idleman, a teaching pastor at Southeast Christian Church, in Louisville Kentucky, one of the largest churches in America. The book calls you to consider the demands and rewards of being a true disciple. With frankness sprinkled with humour, Idleman invites you to live the way Jesus lived, love the way he loved, pray the way he prayed, and never give up living for the One who gave his all for you.
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 12
As we read 2 Corinthians 12 together this morning, Jonathan helps us to see that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.
Welcome! Over the week we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.
This morning Jonathan is sharing with us, you can watch his video above. Read on to hear some more thoughts on the passage, and to get some ideas for further study.
Back at the beginning of this series, in the introduction to 2 Corinthians, we heard two verses that were a key to the whole book, and we arrive at them in todays reading.
But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
When I am weak, then I am strong. This concept is the key theme which brings this whole book together. When we are shown to be powerLESS, God is revealed to be powerFULL, and in our inadequacy the wonder of his grace is revealed. This is a life defining truth which it is essential for all of us to grab hold of, especially in these challenging times.
To begin the passage Paul describes a vision he has had of heaven, a brief glimpse of the glory of things to come! What an incredible experience! It seems that the experience was so incredible, so clearly outside of anything earthly that it seemed as if Paul was observing it happening to someone else, hence the way he talks of himself in the third person in verses 2-4. What joy we have as believers knowing that we can look forward to having an eternal experience of somewhere as glorious as that!
Paul also talks of the thorn in his flesh, emphasising that it has been given to him to ‘keep him from becoming conceited’. Despite the fact that this seems to be something that Satan has given to Paul, he is certain that God is using it to bring humility. Paul also clearly believes that God can do something about it, as it is to God that Paul pleads for it to be taken away. God’s power is greater than any other power, and he can use anything to help us grow. It is so important for us in this time that we recognise God’s power to use any situation for his goodness.
Most of all, if we are to take anything away from this chapter, even from this book, it is this - when we are weak, God is strong. That is a truth we all need to focus on today.
Further Study
Jenny Salt is a former nurse and flight attendant who is now a lecturer in pastoral care and preaching at Sydney Missionary Bible College. She has spoken at many Christian events worldwide, including the 2012 Gospel Coalition Women’s Conference where she spoke on 2 Corinthians 12. You can watch the video of her talk below.
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 8
As we read 2 Corinthians 8 together today we get to a passage where Paul talks about giving, Chris helps us to see how we can be encouraged by the generosity of the early church to give generously ourselves.
Welcome! Over the next few weeks we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.
This morning Chris is sharing with us, you can watch his video above. Read on to hear some more thoughts on the passage, and to get some ideas for further study.
In 2 Corinthians 8 we see Paul encouraging the believers in Corinth to contribute financially to those in the church in Jerusalem (verses 10-11). But he is not just encouraging them to do this out of duty, but in response to the gospel, and the grace that has been shown to them.
We can be encouraged by the actions of the church in Macedonia, that we read about in the opening verses of the chapter. They have clearly understood the grace of God as not just something that they themselves have received, but as something which motivates them to action, and to generosity towards others. How inspiring this is during this time! That even though we face affliction, we are called to respond to the grace of God in our lives by being generous to others!
Also notice what Paul says in verse 8 - I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. We are not to read this passage and feel guilt driven, or that we must give in order to earn God’s favour, but instead we are to give as our hearts are genuinely stirred by the gospel. Paul is also reminding us that there is clearly a powerful witness given to others when we are seen to be generous with that which we have been blessed. As Chris says in the above video, we are never more like God than when we give.
Finally, one of my favourite verses in this passage is verse 9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
What an incredible picture of the gospel! Paul here is hammering home the point that God has been more generous to us than we could ever be, how could we not choose to respond by pouring ourselves out for others, as Jesus blood was poured out for us.
There is so much incredible truth in this passage, that the above comments only cover the first 9 verses! I would encourage you to read the chapter today - maybe multiple times - and as Chris has challenged us, ask the question - What is keeping me from giving consistently and generously?