What are Gospel Communities at Reedemer?
Gospel Communities at Redeemer Church London are weekly gatherings give everyone in our community the opportunity to make new friends and grow in faith together by chatting about the Bible.
At Redeemer Church London, Sunday services are the biggest part of what we do – as everyone gathers together to sing songs about Jesus and hear a talk about the Bible.
But there is so much more happening during the week – including Gospel Communities, our small groups that run in 20 locations across the borough of Ealing.
These weekly gatherings give everyone in our community the opportunity to make new friends and grow in faith together by chatting about God’s Word.
The groups vary in structure and size but they all follow the same study notes each week which are based on what we’ve heard in the previous Sunday’s sermon.
In the first few months of this year we were looking at the Gospel of Mark, so each week questions were provided to help us dig deeper into the specific passages.
For example, questions on Mark 15:40-16:8 included: ‘What difference does the resurrection make to my life and walk with Jesus? How will I begin to apply that?’
We want Gospel Communities to give everyone at Redeemer a weekly opportunity to worship, read the Bible and pray together – while also helping us to build community.
For more information you can follow this link and see which group is closest to you – or email gc@redeemerlondon.org if you have any questions. We hope you’ll feel right at home!
Gospel Stories from Ukraine
We have all been affected somehow by the desperate situation currently unfolding in Ukraine, today we hear from Maria, a member of our Redeemer family about her experience, and how we can pray or provide support for those directly affected.
Anyone reading this will no doubt be aware of the war currently taking place in Ukraine, and will have seen many harrowing news reports, alongside videos and posts on social media, which give us a glimpse of how difficult and painful life is for those still in Ukraine, and those who are displaced by the conflict. One of our Redeemer Family who is directly affected by the conflict is Maria, and below she has shared some reflections on all that has happened in the previous few weeks, as well as some advice on how we can pray, and other ways we can support those affected by the war.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
24th of February 2022
It seemed the whole world had stopped for a moment, as Putin's army crossed the borders of Ukraine.
It had been over 8 years since the events now known as the Maidan Uprising, which were shortly followed by the annexing of Crimea; and only 80 years since the Second World War, an event that we hoped to not experience again in Europe in our lifetimes.
As shocking and unexpected as this attack may appear, it is the opinion of many that it is a carefully and long-planned military action with the purpose of destroying and subduing the Ukrainian nation to its much more powerful opponent.
Being of Ukrainian origin myself and having a family living in a little town called Przemysl near the Polish-Ukrainian border, that has now become the main place of crossing for thousands of refugees, I watched unfolding events with great concern.
Stories from Przemyśl
As of now, about 2 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, cities and jobs for safety to Poland and other Eastern European countries. A larger number of people have been internally displaced. In my parents' town, several thousand people cross the border every day.
Despite the crisis, there has been absolutely exceptional response from the people of Poland and a great collective effort undertaken to support those fleeing the war.
Help comes from NGOs, volunteers, and individuals that are offering their time and resources on an unprecedented scale. Hundreds of thousands of citizens are opening their own homes to refugees. People are organising free transport, food, and accommodation. New schools being created and activities for children, as well as services like free medical treatment and psychological help are being provided and often privately funded.
My sister in law has been volunteering on a border for several days now and this is how she describes her experience:
“Refugees are coming. Scared, exhausted, dirty. These are mothers with children; infants and toddlers, the women themselves, some elderly people. You know, you look at them, you feel compassion for every single one. You feel for a missed childhood, for youth and quiet old age. But they come, stay strong. I don't know how??? We have a mother with 2 children (5 and 7 years old), a young woman born in 1996, tiny. Her husband stayed to fight. She did not sleep for 4 days. The road from Lviv by train (normally 2 hours) took 24 hours. Her hands were swollen and bruised because she was holding the child in her arms and standing all this time. As they travelled from Zaporizhia to Lviv there was a bombing - lights went out, the train was stopping in the dark. There was no water. Being so tiny she could not take her suitcase upon arrival, she lost everything she had somewhere at the station in a crowd.
Another woman - a mother of two. They are 2 years old, twin girls. She arrived with her father-in-law. He is 75 years old and has a heart disease. He left with her to help with the children. His wife stayed in Kyiv. He walks around and cries that they have been together for 50 years and were supposed to die together .... It will likely not be so !!!”
Supporting International Refugees
We should stand together against evil, regardless of our background, ethnicity or race, united, as children of God.
“Since the first day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in Poland, tens of thousands of people have been seeking shelter every day. Forced to abandon their homes, they face many difficulties, caused by long roads, crowded trains, multi-hour queues at border crossings. Among them are not only citizens of Ukraine, but also representatives of other countries, in particular African and Asian countries.
As a result of observations of our volunteers and media reports, people of other nationalities stumble upon borders with the worse treatment and discrimination. At the same time, these are people who have lived, and worked in Ukraine, and now, like Ukrainians, they are fleeing the war and looking for security.
We appeal to show our support in solidarity with all those who need it. We strongly condemn all forms of discrimination, as well as aggression and violence against refugees.”
Union of Ukrainians in Poland
The Needs Of Ukraine
The most urgent need is not with people who escaped, as they are already safe and getting help - but within Ukraine itself; with those who remained in the country - fighting, getting bombed, getting injured, but refusing to give up their freedom as the whole world is watching. Those who are trying to escape, but being stranded in besieged cities, with no way out; Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy, Kharkiw…where people are left without medical assistance, food or water for many days, under severe attack and continuous bombing. There are some taking risks to rescue others and travel with humanitarian convoys to reach those cities with medication, food, other necessities, and to help people to flee the war.
One of those people is Magda from Canaan Church in Bytom, who is travelling to Ukraine as part of rescue operations and to evangelise:
“We are the Church from Poland that is committed to helping Ukraine. We travel to the borders and transport families from Ukraine, we welcome them to our homes, we sort out all the formalities. However, the greatest need for help is in Ukraine. We are connecting to a humanitarian convoy travelling to Ukraine. Our goal will be to help runaway families to get to the Polish border. We need cars, 9-seater buses. We are asking for help in buying such a car and covering the costs associated with this trip (largely fuel, food, etc.). We also ask you to pray for us because every entry into Ukraine is very risky…”
Canaan Christian Centre, Bytom.
Prayer
When we witness great evil and suffering, when we watch great courage and heroism of humanity, let us not underestimate the power of prayer.
The victory belongs to the Lord. Our eyes are fixed on Him.
We stand on the promise that He is the One who fights for His people… We trust Him at all times, when we are on the top of the mountain, and we walk through the valley of the shadow of death - we fear no evil. We hope for His salvation and eternal life in His presence.
This is a fight for freedom, human dignity and solidarity in the face of ultimate suffering and death. Like an encounter between David and Goliath, or many battles of Israel with its enemies recorded in the Bible, it is a manifestation of a much greater battle that is happening in the Spirit. We must not cease in our prayer.
We pray for:
Wisdom and unity for the World leaders, for successful negotiations that would lead to a shortening of the length of the invasion, and peaceful solutions.
Against escalation of the conflict, such as using chemical or atomic weapons, bombing of the cities and civilians.
For the protection of lives, especially in the besieged cities, Mariupol, Kyiv, Kharkiv and for meaningful ceasefire in humanitarian corridors.
Protection of humanitarian convoys and medical support, so that help can reach those with the greatest need in attacked cities and for the protection of those travelling between war zones.
For the people who stayed in Ukraine - for peace, boldness, protection and that they might save lives.
Against fear and anxiety, for those grieving loss, suffering mental trauma or physically injured.
For families who are separated by this war, for the safety of women, children, the elderly and all in a vulnerable position.
For the protection of international students, African and Asian refugees, for God's love, provision, security and care for all refugees.
For an opening and changing of people hearts, unity between people, that they might stand up against racism and prejudice.
For Russian soldiers, and Russian society that they will take a stand against the regime.
Against misinformation and division, pray for exposure of the lies of the enemy, and for the truth to be heard.
For revival and spiritual awakening in Ukraine (there are many evangelical churches in this region), Russia and Eastern Europe.
For God's church to stand strong, the Gospel to be preached in both countries, and many salvations on both sides.
We pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be done, and that Jesus will be glorified in every situation.
Verses to Declare
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places
Ephesians 6:12
No king is saved by the size of his army;no warrior escapes by his great strength.A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
Psalm 33:16-19
Only live according to the gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you,or not I have heard of you, that you stand in one spirit, fighting wholeheartedly for the faith of the gospel, And in nothing fear not your opponents; this is the proof of death to them, and your salvation. And this is from God!
Philippians 1:27-28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Ways You Can Help & Links to Additional Information
It has been uplifting seeing the UK and many other countries uniting to support Ukraine during this time.
It is possible to help those in need through multiple organisations, volunteering and various initiatives supported by the UK government, including the upcoming project of housing a refugee in your home.
As per their advice, one of the best ways to help is by donating money through registered and legitimate charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. “Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through.” They also have a charity checker on their website.
Information from the UK Government
List of charities:
Organisation helping Asian refugees:
Aid for Asian Refugees from Ukraine
and African refugees:
Support for African Refugees in Ukraine
If you would like more info about collection for the bus mentioned above, you can contact Magda from Kannan Church, Bytom by emailing MagdaC@wp.eu
You can also give to Magda’s efforts using the following link - https://gofund.me/0f8ae1ad
Facebook Group - Humanitarian Convoys from Poland
References
A report from Przemysl, near Eastern border with Ukraine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YD_Etmv3Qm0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wMYK6uNx-s
https://www.facebook.com/572870156/videos/649874066342630/
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10166652151960157&id=572870156
Week of Prayer - Advance Prayer Focus - Day 3
On Day 3 of our Advance Prayer Points series, we encourage you to pray for churches and church planters here in the UK and across the world.
This week it’s a Week of Prayer at Redeemer, and over the next three days we’re going to be highlighting areas within the Advance sphere of churches, which you can be praying for!
Today we’re asking you to pray for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in two ways, in the life of a church leader struggling with serious health issues, and by equipping those across the world who are passionate about church planting.
Pray for Dar Es Salaam
Sheshi and Trudie Kaniki, along with their wonderful eldership team lead God's Tribe Church in Dar es Salaam. Sheshi is currently battling cancer, and we would love you to pray for them personally as well as for their church - here's what they are trusting God for:
- Please pray for Sheshi as he is starting what is scheduled to be his last round of chemo. As well as wisdom and peace moving forward as he considers treatment options.
- Continued prayer for Sheshi and Trudie's children, that this season, although stretching and hard, would be for the strengthening of their faith.
- Pray that the Spirit would continue to move and work in God's Tribe as whole and in the lives of individuals as they increase their focus on evangelism and outreach.
Pray for the Advance Church Planters Course
The Advance Church Planters Course (ACPC) exists to equip leaders both theologically and practically to plant and lead Gospel-centred, missional, Spirit-empowered and reproducing churches. It has been so wonderful to see the batches of leaders come through the course over the years, as well as the churches who have benefitted from this strengthening and training!
The course is currently offered in the UK, the US and in South Africa. Pete Cornford from Redeemer London, Tom Taping from One Harbour, and Dave Adams from Jubilee, oversee each hub's course respectively. We recently caught up with them to hear about the current participants and modules.
"We are so grateful for the technology that allows us to meet online when we can't meet in person. The whole program can continue. We can also draw on speakers from around the country and further afield! It's been hard because the peer relationships are not being formed, so that is limited when we are meeting online, we are trusting that we can soon return to that!" - Dave Adams, South African ACPC
Pete Cornford, who coordinates ACPC in the UK, celebrated this being the first time participants had gathered physically in the same place together.
Prayer Points
- Pray for current participants of ACPC as some gear up to plant.
- Pray for 'would-be' participants, that God would add to the course and use this content to equip and encourage many church planting couples and families. ( On the 17th of July, the UK hub is hosting an online event for people to learn more about planting with Advance.)
- Pray for God to continue to raise up future church planters for the next generation.
Week of Prayer - Advance Prayer Focus - Day 1
This week is our Week of Prayer! Find out how you can be praying for other Advance churches around the world here…
This week it’s a Week of Prayer at Redeemer, and over the next three days we’re going to be highlighting areas within the Advance sphere of churches, which you can be praying for!
Today we’re focusing on two nations where Advance churches are seeking to transform their local areas through the power of the gospel - South Africa & Nepal.
Pray for South Africa
For much of this week, South Africa has been in the grip of destructive looting and unrest. Mainly in the Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal provinces, however fear and uncertainty has rippled throughout the nation.
Here is an update from Gareth Bowley from Reconciliation Road Church, Greg Tait from GodFirst, and Mosala Balatseng from Grace Generation Church on behalf of the KZN and Gauteng church leaders:
"Thankfully, our people are safe and no loss or destruction have come to any church properties. Sadly, however, economic and retail infrastructure has been destroyed in all towns across the province of KZN and many in Gauteng. In Durban and Pietermaritzburg, there are almost no business or public services open to the public and all COVID vaccine sites have been stopped. There is concern about availability of food, fuel and essential items in many areas.
Added to this, it seems as though racial tensions in some areas have been fuelled, highlighting the deep divisions within our nation."
Prayer Points
- South African leaders as they govern in this difficult time.
- Restoration of law and order, of supply chains for food, medical supplies, fuel and ambulance services.
- For community members and municipal workers who are beginning to join forces to clear up the streets.
- Pray for businesses that have been destroyed and individuals who have lost employment.
- Pray for the restraint of vigilantism and opportunistic evil.
- For Christ followers to lead in racial reconciliation, and demonstration of love and unity.
- Pray that churches and individuals would cling to the Hope of Christ and be strengthened by him.
Pray for Nepal
Puran and Rebecca Rasali from Khatmandu, wrote to us all with an update from Advance relating churches in the Nepal region. You can read that here.
Here is how you can pray:
- The whole area has been very hard hit by COVID19, please pray for health and restoration.
- Damak Fellowship in Eastern Nepal is in the process of purchasing a piece of land for a church property. Half the money has been paid and they are trusting for the rest. Please pray for God's provision.
- Aiselukharka Community Church in Khotang are building a venue, after meeting in homes almost for 3 years. Half the work is done. Please pray with us that it can be complete by end of this year.
- Funds have been provided for Kathmandu Capital Church to procure a small piece of land. Pray for the clearance from Social Welfare Council. They are trusting for the funds for building, by the end of this year, we like to start construction work.
Oh My Soul!
Steve Page reassures us that talking to ourselves may have its benefits.
Have you been hearing voices? Or to be more precise, a voice, when alone in the house?
During these months of lockdown to one degree or another, have you heard yourself giving a narration to everyday activities? Or giving yourself some much-needed advice? Maybe you’ve even held a timely conversation with yourself?
One egg or two? Oh, go on, you deserve 2. Right-o-then, 2 it is.
Where did I put it? I didn’t leave it in the car, did I? Oh, blast.
When was the last time you heard Neil Diamond? “Sweet Caroline! Da, Da, Daaa!..”
Just me? I didn’t think so.
The good news is, I’ve just been reading how self-talk (or ‘private speech when said out loud) is okay, and might even be good for you.
Thinking Out Loud
Thinking problems through in spoken language is helpful. Children do it. Adults do too, when left alone.
It’s okay. Words said out loud is a perfectly natural response to the pressures of lockdown.
And you’re in good company.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why are you so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will praise him, my Saviour and my God.”
Psalm 42:5
“Awake my soul! Awake, harp and lyre. I will awaken the dawn!”
Ps 57:8
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
Ps 62.5
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”
Ps 103.1
“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
Ps 116.7
Sometimes you just need a good talking to.
Go on. Give it a go.
As a starter, I recommend this worship song, ‘Remember’ (the chorus starts, “And oh, my soul…”)
Jesus is our Sabbath
In her latest blog, Esther-Maria reminds us that Jesus is the source of true rest for our souls…
So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
Hebrews 4:9-11
For many of us, the Sabbath may seem to be simply a practice from the Old Testament that we no longer have to partake in. Jesus fulfilled the Law and, besides, we are way too busy with jobs, church commitments, and social lives to rest for a whole day. The Hebrew word, “sabat”, from which we get the word “Sabbath”, means to stop working and rest. But we know Jesus healed people on the Sabbath. Why should we consider the Sabbath?
God rested
In the Pentateuch (first five books of the bible), we read about how God gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites through the prophet, Moses. Exodus 20:8-11 explains how God’s People were meant to remember and keep holy the Sabbath day, not doing any work on this day. The reason for this commandment is clearly stated: God created the world and all that is in it in six days and rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Sabbath was instituted and followed by God Himself, long before His Law was given to Moses on Mount Sinai. In Genesis 2:1-3, we can read about how when the creation of the heavens and earth was completed on the seventh day, God rested from all the work He had done. As we know that our Creator God is omnipotent, this cannot mean that God needed to rest because He felt tired. God had finished His work of creation and thus stopped what He was doing, modelling to us how to rest. When the work is complete, there is no longer anything that needs to be done. And hence God rested.
The Old Testament is full of stories, characters, and practices that point to the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus. We can see this concept in how the institution of the Sabbath acts as a symbol for the coming of our Messiah, Who would provide His followers with an everlasting rest. But what exactly did Jesus provide rest from?
It is finished!
Under the Old Testament Law, God’s people were constantly working in an effort to make themselves acceptable to God through sacrifices and law-keeping. Sacrifices in the Old Testament should always point us towards the ultimate loving sacrifice of Jesus; the only way for us to be justified and made righteous. John 19:28-30 states that Jesus, when He was on the cross and about to breathe His last breath, said, “It is finished!”
In Hebrews 10:12, we read that “when Christ offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God”. Just as God rested in Genesis after completing creation, He rested after His work of atonement was finished. There is nothing more to be added or done; the work is finished.
In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus explains that He is the Lord of the Sabbath and that the Sabbath was made for God’s People, not God’s People for the Sabbath. This means that Jesus is our Sabbath rest, for one, because He is the “Lord of the Sabbath”. But more than this, Jesus shows us with this statement that the Sabbath rest was created to free man from his labors, namely the endless attempts to be saved and attain God’s favor on the basis of own works, which could never achieve the desired effect.
The work that Jesus said was finished on the cross was the work of atonement. We no longer have to labor in vain, trying to achieve salvation through rituals and sacrifices. Instead, we are saved by the grace of Christ, which was displayed on the cross. This means that now we do not any longer have to rest for merely one day, but can forever cease to labor to attain salvation. Jesus is our ultimate Sabbath rest, now and forever. We can rest in Him because He has saved us by His own completed work of salvation.
How do we rest?
When God rested from creation in Genesis, His work had been “finished”. There was no need for development because the work was perfect. Jesus’ work on the cross is finished and perfect. This shows that the true sabbath is not the maintenance of a specific day, but the ending of an effort, which only God could complete. The works we have rest from in Jesus are those that include law-keeping in order to be justified before God. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 we can read that “for our sake He made Him to be sin Who knew no sin, that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” We can now stop spiritual labours and rest in Him every day of the week. Though this does not mean that life will never be busy - at times overwhelmingly so!
Despite potential earthly busyness, Jesus allows us to rest in God. When we think of the word “rest”, our brains may automatically jump to vacations or weekends. But what happens at the end of this time? Normal life resumes, with busy schedules, stress factors, and unforeseeable life circumstances. We may have had rest for a few days, but as soon as the vacation is over the desired rest is once again gone.
Jesus says in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” God invites us to come to Him with all our baggage. He invites us to give these over to Him, so that we can truly rest in Him.
Cast your cares on him
In 1 Peter 5:6-7 we can read, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the might hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” True rest requires us to give our daily battles, our emotions and thoughts over to God. While it is wise to have clear priorities, have regular quiet times, and manage time well, these things are not what Sabbath rest in Jesus is about. Sabbath rest is primarily about knowing Who Jesus is, and who we are in Him.
Yet this knowledge and our daily lives do impact one another. When we realise that we are saved by the grace of God alone, we no longer have to labor at work in order to achieve a sense of self-worth, we no longer have to pursue an unsustainable social life in order to feel loved or accepted. When we know that God has everything under control, we are able to benefit even more from times of physical rest, surrendering our own control and trusting him.
Let us be those that surrender daily to Jesus. Let us be those that share our struggles, be they big or small, with Him. Let us be those who do not treat Jesus or prayer as their last resort, but find themselves daily at the foot of the cross. Let us be those that can live freely, knowing that Jesus has already finished the work of atonement and we can now find rest for our souls in Him.
Esther-Maria is one of our Redeemer students, a core member of our kids ministry, and is passionate about the word of God. In 2021, she’ll be sharing her thoughts on how scripture should change the way we live our lives! Check back here regularly for more, as well as our other blogs!
Poet's Corner - Psalm 139
In today’s Poet’s Corner Blog, Mandy Hudson shares a personal prayer based on Psalm 139.
Psalm 139 - A personal prayer
Sometimes it is helpful to take a well-known scripture and meditate on it in a very personal way. Here is Psalm 139 written in such a way:
O Lord,
Please search me and know me.
I give you permission to know my sitting down and my standing up;
To understand my thoughts from far away.
Please understand the path of my life,
My lying down –
Indeed, all of my ways.
Lord, please purify the words on my tongue…
Before…
I speak them.
Put your hedge around me,
Lay your hand upon me.
May you overwhelm me with your wonders.
Help me understand my place in the world.
Let there be no escape for me from Your Spirit.
Don’t let me ever be out of Your Presence.
If I ascend into heaven or
Pitch into hell –
Please still be there.
Even in the early morning and at the seaside,
May your hand hold me wherever I go.
Even in the darkest night:
May your light shine on me.
Thank you that you’ve formed my inward parts,
Put me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you.
I marvel how you put me together secretly.
Before I was born you already knew every day of my life.
Your thoughts are so precious to me, Lord!
You are so big! So wonderful!
I can’t even begin to count or explain your thoughts.
How could I ever really understand what’s on your mind?
Every morning I wake up –
You are still with me!
Oh Lord, please get rid of wicked, evil people who don’t acknowledge You.
Please get them away from me.
They are so anti- God, so hate-filled.
They take your Name in vain.
I hate those who hate you, Lord.
I loathe them.
I hate them with perfect hatred.
Your enemies are my enemies too.
(Now back to the NKJV for the last two verses)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
24 And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
Today’s Poet’s Corner was written by Mandy Hudson, and is arranged each month by our resident poet, Steve Page.
A Disciple’s Prayer
Steve Page shares with us what it looks like for him to pray as a disciple, and encourages us to join him
I’m been thinking a lot about prayer recently. This is partly prompted by the Sermon on the Mount series on Sundays [Matthew 6 contains The Disciple’s Prayer, taught by Jesus] and partly by Frank Skinner’s book - A Comedian’s Prayer Book - which explores his own imperfect conversations with God.
Saint Paul admonishes us: “…in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God…” [Philippians 4:6] and tells us that whilst “we do not know what we ought to pray for, the Sprit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” [Romans 8:26]
My daughter asked for the Book of Common Prayer for Christmas, which pleased me; I have a copy and I love the poetry and depth of phrase it contains. I also value the more off the cuff conversations I have with God – especially alongside siblings in Christ.
So what form does prayer take? What is it really about?
Is it two life-long friends side by side in silence, walking through life?
Is it the laughter and noise of family around a dinner table?
Is it a hug held in silence, punctuated with sighs and tears?
Is it an appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation?
Is it a song sung in harmony, full of the pleasure of sound and resonance?
Is it a hand instinctively reaching out and another hand taking hold?
Is it an intense Q&A, bible open, seeking truth?
Is it a plea for clarity in an argument of confusion?
Is it a pre-prepared line, borrowed from someone more versed in articulating the unsayable?
Is it a brief and to the point message, with two ticks to show receipt and a wait for a response?
Is it all of these?
And so, I start: “Our Father…” And I repeat as often as I can.
A Muslim colleague at work asked me, how often do you pray each day? I understood what he was asking – how devoted are you and how disciplined are you in your devotion? The answer is complicated, as all relationships are. I said, “sometimes only once, but often it takes all day”.
I’m still learning about prayer, as I’m still learning to recognise my Father’s voice and to listen to what he’d saying. And I expect that it’s a conversation that will last a lifetime.
‘Father, whether we are still learning how to voice our first words to you, or whether we have enjoyed a life-long walk with you, please teach us the language of prayer.’
Wednesday Prayer - The Church in the UK
This Wednesday we’re praying for the Church in the UK…
Over the past several months, we often met as a church community on a Wednesday to pray together. As meetups have started, and many of us are now meeting regularly to study Ephesians together, we are no longer meeting together as a church to pray. This doesn’t mean that we’re going to stop praying! So over here on the blog we’re starting a new series on Wednesdays, giving you a few ideas of what you could be praying for today and for the rest of this week.
Today we’re praying for…..
The Church in the UK
At Redeemer we have been blessed in many ways over the past several months, especially in the way we have been able to continue gathering on a Sunday, at first online, and then over the past month in person. Though it has looked different to what we expected, 2020 has still been a year where church on Sunday has been a regular part of our lives.
But this is not the case for all churches in the UK. Whether it be lack of available technology, local lockdowns or unusable venues, many churches have struggled to continue meeting during 2020. So today we are encouraging you to pray for the church in the UK, see below for some suggestions on specific topics to pray for.
1. Pray for financial provision
2020 has been a year in which many people and businesses in the UK have struggled financially, and the church is not immune to this. As many churches depend almost entirely on the faithful giving of congregations whose personal finances had been hit by the pandemic, there have had to be difficult and painful financial decisions made across the country over the past several months. Please pray for miraculous provision for those churches who are struggling financially at this time, we know that God promises to build his church, so pray that churches will be able to trust that he will continue to do this even through tough times.
2. Pray for spiritual strength
Times are tough right now, in some areas times seem to be getting tougher rather than easier. In situations like this we are reminded how crucial it is that we don’t rely on our own strength to make it through, but that we seek God. As Psalm 46 says, he is our refuge and our strength! Pray for the church in the UK, that at this time we would know the truth of that verse more than ever, and that across this nation the church would be a place of strength, strength that comes from God.
3. Pray for renewed church community
During the past 6 months our worlds have got smaller. Less social interaction, the cancellation of large events, and significantly reduced ability to meet in each others homes have all contributed to a distinct lack of community. For many people, especially those in more isolated parts of the UK, the church is a key part of their community which they haven’t been able to enjoy the benefits of recently. As you pray for the church today pray for the community it brings, for opportunities to renew that sense of community again, whether it be in person or by taking advantage of technology. Pray for those in London and further afield who feel distant from what was once close knit church community, pray for boldness for them to step back into church community, and for a clear vision for the church community as we seek out those on the fringes and welcome them back into church family.
We believe in the power of prayer, and that God not only hears each and every one of us as we pray, but that he loves to be at work in our lives as a result of what we pray! So let’s pray together this week, and be expectant that things will change as a result!
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 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 6
This morning as we finish Galatians together, Pete prays that we might be defined by the love that we show to one another.
Welcome! We’re currently 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 Pete will be sharing with us his thoughts on Galatians 6.
All through his letter to the Galatians, Paul has been alluding to a division between members of the church, in this, the final chapter of the book, he directly confronts the division, and brings his emphasis on freedom into a specific context.
In this situation, the freedom that the Holy Spirit brings is a freedom to love! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit it increases our capacity to love others, it compels us to humble ourselves and carry the burdens of others, and it causes us to seek to do good to others, especially others who believe.
There will always be temptation to live to please ourselves, to ‘sow to please the flesh’ as it says in verse 8. Especially during this time the easiest thing to do is often to focus on ourselves, and what we’re going through, but in the opening verses of this final chapter Paul is calling on us to look to others, and to see where they may need our love and our compassion. But I also want to encourage you today, if you are carrying burdens of your own, to seek out others in the Redeemer family! We are all called to carry each others burdens, which is especially important in this time. None of us need to go through anything alone.
In the second half of this chapter Paul goes on to conclude his argument against the false teachers. Throughout the letter he has been emphasising, again and again, through his own experience and the experience of the Galatians, that freedom and adoption into God’s family comes by faith, and not by works. Now he presents the Galatians with the choice, between him and the other teachers, he tells them how the false teachers are focused on the flesh, whereas he himself is focused on what we should all be focused on - the cross of Jesus Christ.
False teaching will always look appealing, because it will always try to obscure the cross, the most scandalous act of grace in all of history. But in doing this, it lacks any sort of real weight when held up against the true gospel. When we choose to follow the true gospel, we choose to come to the cross, we join with Christ in his rejection and suffering, we choose not to put our trust in this world, but in the everlasting new creation which has begun with the resurrection of Jesus.
In this time of confusion, frustration and despair for many of us, we can still choose to look back at the cross and the empty grave, the turning point of history, and know that because of Jesus, and only Jesus, we are free, and living with an eternal hope.
Further Study
Tim Keller is a world renowned Christian author and teacher, and he delivered the message below on Galatians 6, at the Gospel Coalition conference in April 2017.
Covid-19 - Grief, Anxiety & Prayer
Sarah helps us to process our grief and anxiety, by encouraging us to follow Jesus’ example and join together in prayer.
I’ve been thinking about my feelings and emotions quite a lot in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. It’s something I always try to be mindful of but this pandemic has really heightened the daily process of trying to pinpoint how I feel. Naming my emotions doesn’t always come naturally to me, however grief and anxiety about the future were two things that came to mind, and I’m pretty sure these feelings aren’t unique to me.
Grief is a strong word, but in this time we have all lost much, be it big or small. Not just the obvious loss of life, but I’ve been particularly shaken by the impact this has had on jobs, businesses and people’s livelihoods. I’m also grieving the loss of community; friends who we spend time with regularly, church, family gatherings, coffee dates and people round for dinner in the evenings. I’m grieving the loss of ‘normal’ life and the way it used to look for us.
And then there’s anxiety - an emotion that sadly I’m pretty familiar with and have battled with before - that physical feeling of apprehension about what is to come. When will it end? How many will die? How many will lose their jobs? When will I be able to go to a shop without worrying what I’m touching, or go for a walk in the park without keeping 2 metres away from the person coming the other way? I think it’s the unknown in so many of these things that makes the fear really amplified; it allows the imagination to run wild.
As I pondered these things I felt somewhat guilty for feeling them. Doesn’t God have the answers to all these things? Should I even be feeling this? I was almost immediately reminded of two instances in Jesus’ life where he experienced these similar emotions.
The first was Jesus’ expression of grief after Lazarus died in John 11:35 where ‘Jesus wept.’ He shares in the grief of Lazarus’ friends and family even though he knows that moments later he will raise Lazarus from the dead. He doesn’t deny the emotion of that moment in spite of this. It is ok that we grieve, and feel sad about what we have lost, even though we trust and hope in what God can do next.
The second instance was Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane where he expresses anguish in anticipation of going to the cross, asking God if there is any other way (Luke 22:39-46). He prays in such earnest that he sweats blood. It is ok that we look ahead in anticipation of the next weeks and months and feel anguish and uncertainty.
In both these situations Jesus expresses strong emotions. But he also follows each with the same response. He goes to the Father in prayer. The first time asking for a miracle for the situation they were in; the second time asking for God’s strength and for his will to be done, returning in prayer several times until he receives what he needs from God. It is ok that we feel emotion but that doesn’t take away from the fact that we should go to God in prayer. And going to God in prayer also doesn’t mean that these emotions will simply vanish immediately. As someone who sees much of life in black and white holding these things in tension isn’t easy for me. I tend to think that I should either feel emotion or pray. I'm learning, as Jesus did, to express what I’m feeling to God in prayer, knowing I can return to him again and again, as many times as I need.
As a Redeemer church family we're going to be ‘meeting’ virtually to pray every Wednesday evening which will serve as a great opportunity for us together to bring everything we’re going through and feeling in this season to God; hope to see you there!
Sarah Montgomery-Taylor
A Lent of Greater Faith
Pamela encourages us that although lent looks a little different to how we expected this year, it’s true focus remains the same…
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
I didn’t plan to write this blog.
I began writing a piece for Lent about us not just focussing on what we are giving up, but also asking ourselves what we are taking on this Lent - what challenges, changes, crosses and contributions we’ll be taking on to serve our households, church family, community and God.
But then COVID-19 happened.
And as I wrote this new blog, I think God brought me back to the same place.
Our prayer and God’s protection
During such testing times as these, I’ve found it helpful to listen to on-line bible studies, encouraging us to pray with confidence, exercising our faith and trusting God like never before. We don’t know what the future holds for us, but we know a God who does.
The Psalms provide powerful words of faith as well as heart-felt cries to God. In the face of current public health crisis Psalm 91 is perfect, particularly because it calls upon the Lord for protection over pestilence and I highly recommend that we take those promises and incorporate them into our prayers for ourselves, family, friends & neighbours.
We are not immune, it’s true, but God makes all things possible. If Christ can raise the dead, if the Apostles can cast out demons, if my faith can move mountains, then our God through the Holy Spirit, in the Name of Jesus, can protect us.
Fear or faith
Jesus was very clear: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). So, now, as never before, ask, seek, knock – be persistent in prayer with faith in God, who stands with us.
Now, spiritual faith can work with practical common sense, so yes, we take precautions, we are careful to not socialise, we wash our hands, we follow government and health guidelines, but we do it with faith not fear – that’s the difference! “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
A Lent of greater faith
So how does this relate to what we give up for Lent and what we take on for Lent? Well, I say that we let go of fear and take on even greater faith. I advise prayer over panic, declaring life over accepting death. Choose to live in truth rather than live overwhelmed by the daily news.
People may well continue to fall ill – fact. The truth is that God is with us in times of trouble, He delivers us and honours us. With long life He will satisfy us and show us His salvation (Psalm 91).
Daily life has been thrown off course – fact. The truth is that we have life from someone who is life (John 11:25).
It is evident in the Bible that our God is incredibly intentional; everything serves a purpose, there is a plan and His timing is unique, critical and perfect, whether we understand it or not. He is faithful! So let us be too. Let us sing Hosanna on Palm Sunday, sing thanks to Christ on Good Friday and raise the roof with the Holy Spirit come Easter Sunday - without fear, but with courage, love and truth.
The cross came before the crown and I hope that we all feel encouraged at this time, and at all times, because though there may be weeping in the night, rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30) and God will make our cause shine like the noon day sun (Psalm 37) – God’s words, not mine.
Lent’s soundtrack
If this blog had a soundtrack, it would feature:
Yes & Amen - Housefires
Way maker - Sinach
Take a moment – United Pursuit
Now, let’s end with some hashtags shall we… it’s a blog after-all
#FaithOverFear
#PrayerNotPanic
#YesAndAmen
Peace be with you & God bless you,
Pamela
Curse or Blessing?
A note of encouragement from Adele, one of our Redeemer Family who is self isolating….
As you will no doubt be aware, the recent covid-19 outbreak has changed everyone’s lives to a greater and a lesser extent. As a church we know that many members of our family will be self-isolating, working from home, or practicing social distancing over the coming weeks. We are hoping that through a series of blogs we can encourage you, and others who might be reading these blogs, to fix your eyes on Jesus, and respond to the crisis in a way which honours his will for our lives.
I am self isolating. I like to believe that I don’t look (or act) anywhere near my age! But the fact is that I am 71 and I am suddenly in the ‘vulnerable’ group. Even worse, I have a cough. To be honest, I have had coughing bouts on and off for years now, but at this time a persistent cough is the worst thing you can have!
Being a sociable person, I am used to meeting people all the time, attending church meetings, praying for people at home etc. Now I suddenly cannot do that anymore. So I have two options – I can stay at home and sulk and complain. Or I can decide to ignore the Government’s strong advice and go about my business as usual, possibly get infected and take up precious hospital beds which are needed by others.
As a Christian I need to ask myself – what would Jesus do?
Well, first of all, Jesus loved people.
He cared for the marginalised, the poor, the widow and the sick! He considered their wellbeing. The bible tells us that true religion is caring for the widows and orphans (James 1:27). So am I caring for these if I put myself and them at risk? The answer must be ‘no!’
So neither of the options above seem like a good option, well fortunately I believe that there is a third way, which I believe is the most pleasing to Jesus.
The Bible says that every day is a gift from God! Let’s treat it as such, wherever we are – at work or at home. It doesn’t matter, whatever we do, we do it as to the Lord, knowing that from Him we shall receive a rich reward for our labour.
There are actually many advantages to being at home, thanks to modern technology. There is the opportunity to have prayer and chats face to face on Whatsapp, Skype, Zoom or whatever! Continue to regularly ‘meet’ with your groups. Today I had an incredible time on Whatsapp with a bible study group member – we read the Bible together, worshipped and prayed together! The presence of the Lord was right there! We both felt really uplifted and are already looking forward to next week, when I hope to get the Skype up and running for the other three members of the group so that we can all join in and be blessed.
God is not bound by walls, or distance! If we invite the Holy Spirit to come into our situation, He will move! No matter where or how!
And now I am also looking forward to finally reading through all those books that have been sitting on my shelves for years! looking through and sorting out my photos and my files, chatting to extended family on the phone, and ringing all those friends I haven’t got round to speaking to for years, bringing them a word of hope and encouragement. Writing that short story I have been hoping to do for years, painting my old dining room chairs, possibly even sewing some new covers for my cushions…
And, of course… spending more time with the Lord Jesus, without having to rush off somewhere, and reading the Bible more slowly!
It’s certainly not going to be boring. Those of us in isolation can be excited about the opportunity God is giving us to be more available to Him than ever before!
I’m looking forward to it! What about you?
We've Moved! - Purpose & Promises
We’ve Moved! Find out just some of the reasons we’re excited about our new season at UWL….
We’ve Moved!
This Sunday saw us worshipping together at the University of West London for the first time! What a great time it was, the venue may have changed, but our God hasn’t! He loves to meet with us wherever we are!
There are obviously practical reasons why we have moved from the Town Hall, but we also firmly believe as a church that God is leading us into a new season which will be full of excitement, and that we can expect him to move powerfully amongst us and in our community as a result of our new Sunday venue!
As part of his preach on Sunday, Rich talked about the potential impact we can have as a church on our local community, and below are just some of the ways in which we are praying God will use us as we meet at the university.
We are believing that being in such an influential space for the student population in Ealing will allow us to see the gospel made known amongst students and young adults in the local area more than we have before!
Our new refreshments and welcome area is a fantastic space for conversation and fellowship, both for Redeemer family members and for guests. We are praying that God uses this extra space to continue to welcome more people into our family, and create genuine friendships in which we build one another up and encourage each other to walk in the plans God has for us!
With refreshments and welcome happening in a separate location, there is greater opportunity to respond and receive prayer after the services. We are praying that God speaks to people through our preaching and during the worship times and that we are able to follow up by continuing to pray with individuals after the meeting. We are expecting God to use this extra time and space to transform hearts and lives!
We now have more seats in the room on a Sunday morning than we ever have before! We are praying that God continues to bring new people to us at Redeemer that we might be able to bless and share the love of Jesus with! We believe that God will fill the empty seats with new Redeemer family members!
These are just a few of the ways that we are praying God will move in and through us in this next season at Redeemer. We have received prophetic words recently about stepping up, graduating, and experiencing new things in God and there is a sense of excitement stirring amongst us! If you haven’t already, why not join us in the next few weeks as we take the next steps on this journey as a church!
#RedeemerRecommends - Persisting in Prayer
As our Transforming Prayer series comes to an end, #RedeemerRecommends some books to encourage you to continue pressing into a life of powerful prayer!
Last Sunday we reached the end of our preaching series on Transforming Prayer, and this week sees us finishing our prayer journals in our meetups! Never fear! We will have 3 more weeks of meeting and praying together in groups, followed by a church wide Week of Prayer from the 7th to the 13th of April.
But after that, it is our hope that the whole of the Redeemer community doesn’t simply stop praying, but is instead inspired by this season of Transforming Prayer, and the effect it has had on our lives! So inspired in fact that we continue to pursue transformation in our own situations and the situations of those around us through the power of prayer! As Christians our desire is that our relationship with God is constantly growing closer and more intimate, and one of the best ways to ensure this is by pressing into prayer throughout our lives.
So this week’s #RedeemerRecommends is hoping to supply you with a few books which you might find helpful as you continue to develop in your prayer life and your relationship with God.
Book #1 - Too Busy Not To Pray (Bill Hybels)
This is a book which encourages individuals at any stage of their walk with God to press into prayer. Hybels sets out practical ways to ensure we slow down and prioritise times of prayer. The book helps to expand our view of just what God can do in our lives and in the lives of those around us when we do so.
Book #2 - Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer (C.S. Lewis)
This book, a collection of letters to a close friend of Lewis’ named Malcolm, speaks of many different aspects of prayer and how they affect our lives. Reading it takes us on a journey to understanding just how crucially important prayer is and how it increases the depth of our relationship with God.
Book #3 - The Power of a Praying Woman (Stormie Omartian)
Focusing on personal prayer, this is a great book for women of all ages looking to establish a discipline of prayer and hoping to see breakthrough in their own lives through persistence in prayer. Encouraging readers to ‘cover every area of life with prayer’, each chapter ends with a prayer to follow or to use as a model for your own personal prayer time.
Book #4 - God on Mute (Pete Greig)
A book specifically aimed at those who are struggling with seemingly ‘unanswered’ prayer, Pete Greig, the founder of the 24/7 global prayer movement, writes of his personal struggle. It’s an incredibly eye opening and honest account of his journey as his wife Samie fought a battle with a brain tumour. The book focuses on the questions which come up in situations when our prayers seem to be met with total silence, and aims to cultivate a sense of hope and faith in God’s love, a love which goes beyond our understanding.
Answered Prayer - Deeper Relationship
Nathanael Jegunma shares how attending his Transforming Prayer meetup has enhanced his relationship with his Heavenly Father.
In the second of our blogs focusing on Answered Prayer, Nathanael Jegunma shares with us how the community and the prayers of his Transforming Prayer meetup have led to fresh encounters and more intimate relationship with his Heavenly Father!
I am new to Redeemer and joined a small group within the first 2 weeks. God has truly revealed how powerful he is when you have faith in him and act in according to his word.
The Transforming Prayer series has reinvigorated my connection with God and I have felt my relationship and understanding of him grow. I have begun to regularly share the word of God with my colleagues at work, improved my family relationships and learned to communicate more effectively with God.
There is power in us gathering and praying together and we have seen God answer prayers in our group. I would encourage anyone who attends Redeemer to enjoy the fellowship and family that small groups provide and get involved.
— Nathanael Jegunma
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:42
Transforming Prayer Poetry - Week 7
Persistent praying leads to dramatic results, be encouraged by Steve’s latest poem to press on in your prayers, and expect to be transformed!
Throughout this season of Transforming Prayer, we have been constantly growing in our ability to pray with confidence, and learning how to pray in different ways and in different situations.
Steve’s poem this week reflects a journey of learning, being transformed, and growing into great pray-ers.
Flyer
Not everyone flies.
You land hard a lot.
Then just as you think
it's time for a new direction,
just as you think
it's not worth another stumble,
a fresh fall onto your knees,
you launch and take flight.
An updraft catches your wings
and you're airborne.
And when you eventually land
you see that you've got
somewhere new,
a whole new perspective.
That's when you know you're a flyer.
Not every line flies.
You land hard a lot.
Then just as you think
it's time for a new direction,
just as you think
it's not worth another stumble,
a fresh fall,
your thoughts take flight.
An updraft catches your wings
and you're airborne.
And when you eventually land
you see that you've got
somewhere new,
a whole new perspective.
That's when you know you're a poet.
Not every prayer flies.
You land hard a lot.
Then just as you think
it's time for a new direction,
just as you think
it's not worth another stumble,
a fresh fall onto your knees,
your prayer takes flight.
Your spirit resonates with His
and you see His face.
And when you get to your 'Amen',
you see that you've got
somewhere new,
a whole new perspective.
That's when you know you're a pray-er.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Breakthrough - Men's Prayer Brunch
Redeemer’s new Men’s ministry kicked off with a big brunch and some bigger prayers, Sunny Gill tells us more in our latest blog…
The 9th of February marked the first Men’s brunch meetup. A new ministry from Redeemer with a vision to bring men together to discuss one simple but important question; what breakthrough are we waiting for God to do in our lives? He is a God who can do anything, and often we simply need to hold onto faith and trust that He will provide what we need at the right time.
The first meetup saw twenty-two men from Redeemer church devour an insatiable amount of eggs, sausages, bacon and coffee whilst catching up for those with those we haven’t seen in a while. But the event also provided a friendly atmosphere for new people to make new friends. It was great to see the coffee pouring and the conversations flowing with outbreaks of laughter from one end of the table to the other.
After the mighty-meaty brunch, we all gathered around in the spacious living room to listen to our very own Francois share his testimony – a vulnerable and honest account of how he grappled with an addiction to pornography, and the way it affected his marriage. It was so encouraging to hear that despite the bondage to sin that only seemed to tighten with the passage of time, Francois learnt to lean on God and His abundant grace. God has set him free from this; providing the much needed breakthrough that Francois required, as he was able to bring himself, his marriage and his family unilaterally out of difficulty under God’s light.
The session concluded as we broke into small groups to discuss addictions that we wrestle with but focus on a real and tangible way out – by lifting our voices in prayer, and beginning to lean on God; trusting Him for the breakthrough that he ultimately provided for Francois.
Chris Sutton was then given some time to discuss the ministry he is putting together called ‘caring for ex-offenders’ before the day ended in a final prayer.
The men’s ministry will be running these brunches every two to three months and we would love to see you at the next one on 13th April. Come along and please do bring any men you know who would benefit from the fruits of this ministry (inside or outside of Redeemer).
Details of the next meetup will be given nearer the time. – Please speak to Barny, Francois or Sunny for more info.
Review by Sunny Gill