Gospel Stories from Ukraine

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

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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:

Christian Aid

Disasters Emergency Committee

Just Giving - Ukraine

GoFundMe - Ukraine

 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

Kanaan Church Website

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

We Are All Levites Now

Yesterday was Serving Sunday at Redeemer, where we encouraged everyone who would call Redeemer Church their home to follow the example of Jesus, and sign up to serve on a team!

Steve Page has written this blog post as a follow up to yesterday’s service.

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As a young Christian, when I heard or read bible passages featuring the Priesthood or Levites serving in the temple, I immediately conjured up the image of guys in frocks, waving incense; not exactly heavy lifters or people you’d invite to a party.  As a bloke in SE London it wasn’t much to aspire to.

When I learned of the ‘priesthood of all believers’ [see 1 Peter 2:9] and understood that all those who have joined God’s family get direct access to him and that we don’t need to rely on any human go-between, such as a priest, because of Jesus’ sacrifice, it became a core truth of the gospel for me: the temple curtain torn in two, no hidden backroom just for the elite priesthood; an “Access All Areas” salvation.

But the image of frocks and incense persisted.

I’ve now got a more complete picture.

The Levites, the tribe that Yahweh put aside to run the Tabernacle and from which priests were selected, weren’t just guys in frocks.  Reading passages in Exodus, Numbers and Nehemiah, I see that the Levites were given jobs such as taking care of the Tabernacle frame and equipment (Num 3:36); they were foreman (Neh 11:16); record keepers/ accountants (Ex 38:21); musicians and singers (Neh 11:22 & 12:8); tithe collectors (Neh 10:37); security guards (Num 1:50,51); and teachers (Neh 8:7,8).  The whole tribe got involved, not just those with a talent for ‘smells and bells’. 

And so it struck me, if under the New Covenant made possible by Christ we’re all priests, here to serve one another and all part of one body with all a part to play, then surely it follows that we’re all Levites now.  We’ve all got a role to play to ensure Sunday worship comes off without a hitch – some with a flair for taking care of equipment and some for teaching (and perhaps some for both), and all with a calling to serve one another.  

We’re all Levites now, but under the New Covenant in the 21st Century the roles have changed a little: greeters, sound desk operators, coffee servers, teachers, toddler minders, un-packers, singers & musicians, money counters, administrators, and more: bringing God’s word for one-another, praying for each other and encouraging each other.  

And none of these are mutually exclusive.  All priests, serving one-another; all Levites, serving in God’s house.  No false humility, just a willingness to do our part.  

We're the New Levites: 

the early risers, the cable layers,
the coffee makers, the sound checkers.
the purple greeters with a ‘good to see-yers’,
the smiling pray-ers, the red kids’ workers.

We’re all priests, cos we’re all believers
and I’ve got news for you – we’re all Levites too

We qualify by turning up,
with willing hands and open hearts.

We're the New Levites
and the rota's open.

Written by Steve Page

Maranatha

On the final day of Advent - Christmas Eve, Timali has written a poem about the one whose arrival we celebrate tomorrow, and every day!

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Maranatha

He came once

but in a quiet unintrusive way

hidden in the womb of a young unassuming girl.

How he shed his resplendent glory and vacated his abode of magnanimous dominion - I know not.

But this I know, he came.

Came to the malaised Earth, 

its fractured world of broken humanity,

there he silently stole into the almost-wedded lives of an earnest and devout couple - unexpected, uninvited.

How he relinquished his power, majesty and 

incorruptible divinity - I know not.

But this I know, he did. 

Did subject himself to the trappings 

of the frail and fragile human form - the same clay vessels

that he had lovingly created and fashioned.

How he willingly diminished his status and stature to

become a vulnerable babe,  child,  man - I know not.

But this I know, he did.

Did mysteriously manifest in this earthly realm

via scandal and suspicion, the bearer of peace yet causing contention.

His humble birth bringing awe and wonder to the low and the wise,

but revealing also the sin-sick darkness in the heart of man

How he surrendered his authority and rule to become the

object of envy and ridicule - I know not.

But this I know, he did.

Did breathe our air, tread our sod and experience 

the limitations and temptations of mankind.

Yet he remained pure,

untainted

by the ravaging wages of sin.

A perfect sacrifice

a saviour born to die

the true messiah

Messiah then, messiah now, messiah yet to come

Come again to make all things new

with trumpets sounding and angelic hosts at his command.

No longer a newborn baby

but King of kings and Lord of Lords!

How he will establish righteousness and truth, administer justice 

and usher in his kingdom reign - I know not

But this I know, he will.

Then the seventh angel sounded [his trumpet]; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,

“The kingdom (dominion, rule) of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 11:15 (AMP)

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Timali Ebanks is a follower of Jesus, cherished wife and mother of a beloved motley crew. When she is not enthusiastically expounding on the joys of delving into literature and engaging students in copious amounts of reading and analysis, she enjoys bouts of writing and adventures of all sorts.

Hearing God - Logos and Rhema

Sometimes when we are waiting for direction or answers to prayers, we can become frustrated by the seeming silence from God. It is challenging to continue to seek him with a right spirit when we feel like we are getting nowhere… waiting and waiting for enlightenment, a green light or for that matter a red light-just any light to illuminate what can sometimes feel like despairing darkness.

In an Insta world we often mistakenly act like we believe our communion with God should result in Insta- communication as we see fit, according to our timelines. When the Almighty God doesn’t bend to our iron wills and unrealistic expectations – we are often weigh laid with worry or indignant: Asking - Where is God? Why isn’t he answering my prayers? Doesn’t he care?

We of little faith!

The God who said and there was, who spoke the very universe into being, is always speaking.  Everything that exists has its origins in the Word of God. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.”
John 1:1-3 

Since he changes not and is the same God yesterday, today and forever more- we can expect and should expect that he will continue to speak over his creation and especially to his most valued creation: mankind.  Psalm 8 says, 

“3When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— 4 what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? 5You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor”
Psalm 8:3-5

We are his masterpiece, which is why Jesus the Word made flesh, came down to earth, to live and die as a human in order to make atonement for our sins so that we could once more be reconciled to God. 

“1 On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. 2But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.” Hebrews 1: 1-2 

Restored Communication

Jesus’ life, death and resurrection has resulted in restored fellowship and communion with God. So that once again like Adam, we can walk and talk in the cool of the day with God- our spirits connecting with his Spirit. Amazing, isn’t it? Direct access to God- anytime, anyplace, having the ability to both speak to and hear from him.

While God primarily speaks to us through the written word (the Holy Bible) which is ‘alive and active’ and capable of judging the thoughts and intentions of the heart’. he also now speaks to us through the Holy Spirit!

“… when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come”
John 16:13

Thankfully, in those times when we need clear guidance from God we can turn to his written Word which is useful for, “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” and then we can also wait before him listening and paying attention to how the Holy Spirit will reveal to us what the Father is saying in the present, for the specific situation or concern we are seeking him about- a Rhema word: a particular insight into a portion of Scripture relating to our lives and circumstances. 

Becoming Familiar

If we are patient, alert and expectant, we will find that God speaks through nature, through people- like the prophets of old, through dreams and visions, through signs and wonders, through events. Ultimately, we must return to the written Word: Logos, to test these revelations. But as we abide more and more in his Word and presence, his voice will become increasingly familiar. We will soon realise that he is continually speaking if only we will have eyes and ears to hear him.

Timali Ebanks is a follower of Jesus, cherished wife and mother of a beloved motley crew. When she is not enthusiastically expounding on the joys of delving into literature and engaging students in copious amounts of reading and analysis, she enjoys bouts of writing and adventures of all sorts.

Poet's Corner - Believe In More

This week on Poet’s Corner, we feature a video from our sung worship time on Sunday 10th October, where Steve shared his poem Believe in More.

Inspired by Ephesians 3:20-21, Steve encourages us to remember that our God can do more in and through us than we could possibly ask or imagine.

A New CBR Journal for 2022

Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, and that reading it daily equips us as Christians to honour and follow God in everything that we do. We also believe that however long you have been following Jesus, be it 5 minutes or 50 years, there are always new things that we can learn from every passage of scripture.

That is why we encourage everyone to not just read the bible daily, but to share with others at Redeemer how the word of God has impacted, challenged and encouraged us each day. We do this with the help of the Community Bible Reading (CBR) Journal, which leads us to a chapter of the Old & New Testament each day, and encourages us to write down our thoughts on the passages, and share them with others.

In order to better equip people to read the bible daily, and benefit from the incredible wisdom it holds, there are some changes happening with the CBR Journal, which will be seen in the new journals published for the beginning of 2022. We’ll have these journals available soon at Redeemer!

You can hear all about these changes from the founder - Ted Sinn - below.

If you would like more information on how we use the CBR Journal at Redeemer please email hello@redeemerlondon.org.

We are also running a meetup this term for men who would like to follow the CBR reading plan together! Sign up to that group, or any of our others below!

Freedom Day - A Biblical Response

Monday the 19th of July was announced as Freedom Day, when covid-19 restrictions were lifted, and life was allegedly returned to ‘normal’ - whatever that looks like now. However, this freedom day provoked very different reactions for different people. As Christians we are called to respond to any changes in society around us by acting in line with the unchanging word of God. In todays blog we look at how we might respond to ‘Freedom Day’ in a biblical way.

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Freedom Day - A Biblical Response

In a world full of polarizing topics, ranging from politics to football matches, we have been once again faced with a situation, which conjures up a wide range of emotions in people, even within our church communities. While some people have eagerly awaited “Freedom Day”, others have been anxious about another rise in Covid-19 cases as a result of it. As Christians - disciples of Jesus - we are called to love others as Jesus loved us (John 13:34). As a church - the body of Christ - we are called to encourage and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). With restrictions being lifted and many of us having differing opinions about and feelings towards this, it is important that we remain eager to maintain unity and peace within the church (Ephesians 4:3). In this blog post, I want to attempt to lay out a few biblical ways to respond to restrictions being lifted as believers in and followers of Jesus.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

In this passage, we can find a beautiful description of the way in which God loves us. If we are called to love people in the way Christ loves us (John 13:34), we must first have a firm understanding of what this love is. Out of this knowledge and by the Holy Spirit at work within us, there will naturally flow patterns of behaviour towards other people. 

Be Patient

Whether we are those who are excited to be able to walk through a shopping center without a mask on or those in whom the idea of this raises anxiety, we need to remember to be patient with ourselves and with others in this time. Ephesians 4:2 tells us to bear with one another in love, being completely humble, gentle, and patient. We do not know what someone has gone through - people may have health anxiety or may have even lost loved ones to Covid-19. Instead of being annoyed with a brother or sister who experiences this time differently to us, we must practice self-control and be slow to anger (Proverbs 16:32). Paul writes in Romans 15 that we must have the same attitude toward each other that Christ had for us, encouraging and enduring with one another. Galatians 6 calls on us as disciples to carry each other’s burdens and in this way fulfill the law of Christ. We are to be those who help others (Acts 20:35) and to give freely (Luke 6:38). The Bible goes on to say that we should not become weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9). If you are one who is excited about “Freedom Day” and the lifting of restrictions, bear patiently with those who do not share this same feeling.

Those of us who are experiencing anxiety surrounding this topic can also practice patience  through prayer and leaning on God at this time. Philippians 4:6 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Moreover, Romans 12:12 tells us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” We can trust in God that He is sovereign in every area of our life and will provide all we need. We can stand firm in Him as we draw near to Him in prayer. Matthew 6 is a beautiful reminder of the fact that we do not need to be anxious because our heavenly Father feeds the birds and makes the lilies grow - and we are worth much more to him than these. This chapter also reminds us that worrying does not add any benefit to our life. We will be happier and feel less heavy if we cast our burdens onto Him (Psalm 55:22). Be encouraged that the Lord is close to and rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18). If you want to continue wearing your mask or do not wish to go to big social events yet, you are completely within your right to do what makes you comfortable. But do remember that the Lord answers you and delivers you from your fears (Psalm 34:4) and that when you are anxious, God’s consolation brings joy (Psalm 94:19).

Be Kind

Jesus commands us in John 13:34 to love one another as He loves us. A simple way to show kindness in this climate is to show compassion and consideration for those around us. Proverbs 12:25 says “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” We can easily brighten someone’s day by showing kindness in our words, or even through a smile. When I walk to church on Sunday mornings, I try to make it my mission to smile and say “good morning” to as many people as possible. Some people do not react, but most people happily smile back. If you have joy, why not share and spread it? Proverbs goes on to say in chapter 17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

We are called to love at all times, meaning even when we are anxious or annoyed, when restrictions are present and when they are lifted. Through showing kindness and grace during this time, we can show others the love of Christ practically. In His sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:16, Jesus says “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Let us be those who glorify God in the way we generously and gladly show kindness and love.

Do Not Judge

While this should be very straightforward and simple, these polarizing times can make it all too easy to be tempted to judge those who do not share our disposition. The Bible is very clear that this is not acceptable. Romans 2:1 states that we have no excuse if we pass judgement on others. In Matthew 7, Jesus Himself tells us that in the same way we judge others, we will ourselves be judged. Jesus goes on to ask why we look at the speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye without paying attention to the plank in our own. Before we judge others based on what they do or don’t do, we need to remember that all of us struggle with sin in certain areas and are no better than each other - we are all in need of Jesus’ saving grace.

Who then are we to withhold grace from others? In 2 Corinthians 12:10, Paul writes “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.” God loves us in our weakness, so we should do the same for those around us. At the same time, 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that we are never tempted beyond our ability and that God always provides a way to be able to endure when we are faced with temptation. This is a crucial truth to remember when we feel overwhelmed with feelings - God provides a way for us to deal with these without falling into the temptation of judging others. 

Do Not Fear

Finally, as restrictions ease we need to remember the Lord we serve and find comfort in Him. The Bible - God’s Word - is full of verses about how we can trust, and have confidence and security in Him. God sees you (Genesis 16:13). God hears you (Jonah 2:2). God is with you always (Psalm 46:1). 

I am fully aware that many will have deep and real fears at this time and I do not wish to be insensitive, and yet it is actually a commandment in the Bible not to fear. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, there were many uncertainties and difficulties ahead of them. And yet Joshua, their leader, is told in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua certainly had reasons to worry, and yet he was told not to fear, but be strong and courageous because God was with him. In John 14:27, Jesus says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Again, Jesus does not promise that there will not be any reason for people’s hearts to be troubled and for them to be afraid. Yet He does promise He will give us peace and commands us not to fear. 

Finally, we do not have to fear because God never leaves us and His love never fails. Psalm 23 says “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Meanwhile, Paul writes in Romans 8, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” It is His love that enables us to be conquerors and never separated from Him. This is what should abe the driving force behind our courage and confidence in Jesus - the fact that “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). We can find hope and peace in God’s Word when we feel anxious or worried. 

God works all things for good!

I want to end by saying this - I do not know what your last year has looked like and I do not know your feelings towards restrictions being lifted. What I do know is that God works all things together for the good of those who trust in Him (Romans 8:28). I know that our God is a good Father, who offers us peace, consolation, and protection. I know that you can do all things through Him who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). And I know there is no greater joy than to serve and put our trust in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

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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!

Week of Prayer - Advance Prayer Focus - Day 3

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.

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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 2

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 Advance church plants in Madagascar & South Africa.

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Pray for Madagascar

Take a look at the video from Blake and Rachel Tucker in Madagascar!

Please join them in prayer for the following: 
- Trusting for a maturing of disciples which would result in leaders being raised up.
- Two of the four churches in Antannanarivo are experiencing venue constraints, even before COVID hit and now even more so. Please pray that God would open doors for great venues!
- Some of the young leaders are facing either big life changes such as marriage, or health issues - pray that God strengthens them.
- Pray for the salvation of many in the region!

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Pray for South Africa

In South Africa, there are two new church plants gearing up to plant in the next short while. Both of these church plants are in area's where recent looting has been rampant, please pray for peace in these area's and for God to guide the journeys towards planting!

Rob and Ilse Weddel are planting in Boksburg in Gauteng, and Tom and Nokwazi Moffat are planting into eThekwini in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Since the filming of this clip, both teams have secured venues, which we thank God for!

Prayer Points

Boksburg
- Strength for both the sending church ( GodFirst, Benoni), as well as the new church plant.
- Trusting God for the salvation of many in the Boksburg area.
- They are praying for a visible footprint in the Boksburg area for the glory of God.

eThekwini
- That God would go ahead of them and stir the hearts of many in the area, and draw people to himself through this local church.
- That God sends leaders with gospel clarity and capacity to serve and love in this context.

Week of Prayer - Advance Prayer Focus - Day 1

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.

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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.

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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!

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…”)

Written by Steve Page

Steve is Redeemer’s resident poet, and has been instrumental in encouraging and motivating other creative individuals at Redeemer to pursue the gifting God has placed in them! You can read his poetry HERE, or find his anthologies on Amazon.

Poet's Corner - The Brightest Of Days

This is a poem I wrote back in March of 2019, it was a time in my life in which I was being taught humility and patience, and did a lot of waiting on God.

It seemed apt to share today, as another delay to the lifting of restrictions can easily leave us feeling frustrated or unsure as to the part today plays in God’s grand plan for us.

I hope this poem blesses you, and encourages you to seek and trust God today, whatever situation you find yourself in, knowing that there are brighter days to come, whether on this earth or in eternity!

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I won’t give up.
I won’t give in.
I won't let impatience drag me into sin.

I won’t back down.
Or try to skip ahead.
I won’t ignore what my father has said.

I won’t stop listening.
I won’t forget.
I won’t demand things I know I’m not ready for yet.

I won’t run.
I won’t hide.
I won’t question your ways.

For I know still to come is the brightest of days.

I will stand tall.
I’ll let my heart burn.
I’ll follow you down every twist, every turn.

I will let tears flow.
Of joy and of sorrow.
I’ll trust in your promise, for now and tomorrow.

I will let You
Fight this battle for me.
For you have won an everlasting victory.

I will worship my King.
I will cry out in praise.

For I know, still to come, is the brightest of days.

Today’s Poet’s Corner was written by Toby Elliott, and is arranged each month by our resident poet, Steve Page.

#RedeemerRecommends - The Lies That Serve Us

This week on #RedeemerRecommends we are highlighting the first talk in a new video series by The Gospel Coalition - TGC Talks.

In this talk, entitled ‘The Lies That Serve Us: Christians and Critical Race Theory’, Justin Giboney challenges all of us that would call ourselves Christians, to identify and call out the self-serving lies which we tell ourselves about key issues.

“We must not only confront the lies that offend us, but also the lies that serve us.”

You can watch the short talk in full below, or follow the links to find out more about Justin Giboney and the AND Campaign.

Find a full transcript of the video HERE

Sharing Your Faith - Unorthodox Orthodoxy

Welcome to our newest post about Sharing Your Faith! In his regular posts, Ryan Bentley will be stirring us to share our faith with others, by looking at passages of scripture and giving practical tips. We hope you enjoy the blog below!

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I hate bow ties and I love rap music.

Bless the staff at Redeemer for putting up with me.

Formality is lost on me. I ignore a lot of social norms. I often think of it as a good thing. It’s almost like my super power.

A new normal

Social Norms are developed to make everyone safe and to structure society but sometimes that structure is an impediment to God moving. Sometimes, it’s the have not’s who have the most to give, and the haves who have the most to loose.

Like we see in 2 Kings 7, sometimes it’s people outside the structure of social norms that bring us good news. I think it’s time we all brush up on Kings, because I wouldn’t have seen this story this way without listening to a Christian hip-hop song from 2007. (I know right! When was the last time a rap song got you to read your Bible)

In 2 Kings Israel is in quite a pickle. They’ve got a king, Joram, who has beef with Ben-Hadad of Syria and doesn’t take good care of his people or the land that God gave him. So we’ve got a bad king, having a bad time with the countries surrounding him, and Elisha is representing the Lord in all matters.

Setting the scene; Israel is surrounded. #typical. There is a severe famine to the point people are eating their own babies. The king is freaking out, his main guard is concerned and not letting people into the protective walls of the city. The world is literally crumbling around them. Then these two words come out of nowhere and save the day, much like they always do. Two words that set humanity free, raise people from the dead, and brought hope and freedom to millions of people.

But God…

God did some trickery and made the Syrians leave, they left so quickly they weren’t even able to grab their food, water, or animals (2 Kings 7:7) The camp is obviously outside the city but so are the lepers. There are 4 lepers who are hanging out and they’re SO hungry that they’re risking everything to go into AN ENEMY CAMP for FOOD! (2 Kings 7:4) They come across the camp and find all manner of goodies left waiting for a new owner to pick them up. They begin to loot the camp (How are 4 lepers going to loot a camp of a couple thousand soldiers I don’t know, but I like their moxie.) and they have an epiphany.

“We’re not doing this right. Today is a day of good news. If we are client and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king’s household.”

Culturally, this was not okay. There is a reason lepers lived on the outside of the city walls. There is no way they would have been able to see the king. They went anyway. Earlier they were talking about how they would DIE if they went into the city, but there is such good news happening outside that they risk it, to go to the king, and deliver good news.

Delivering the good news

It’s time to examine where we fit in to the structure that surrounds us, and if necessary kick the legs out from underneath that structure. It’s time to be socially awkward, be a little more forward and be unashamedly weird. To most of the world, Christians and people of faith are like lepers. But that shouldn’t stop us from going and telling them the fantastic news.

Note also that the lepers didn’t take a 6 week course on how to share good news. They didn’t get dressed up. They knew, THEY KNEW keeping this to themselves was a bad idea. So, with little regard to themselves, knowing they could die, they went, told people the good news and an entire city was saved.

I wonder what would happen if we as a church, knowing we were lepers, knowing we have this amazing news decided to tell someone else about it.

Ryan Bentley
Ryan moved from Birmingham in 2020 to be part of Redeemer along with his wife Sarah (our families worker) and his two kids, Rhys and Torah! He serves the church full time and his aim is to equip each of us to share the gospel with those around us on a daily basis. You can join his Faith Sharing meetup HERE or find more of his wisdom on Instagram.

Jesus is our Sabbath

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

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.

Easter Devotionals - Matthew 27:57-66

As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.

Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.

Today’s passage is read by Kayla, and the passage is Matthew 27:57-66.

The Grave

The central claim of the historic Christian message is that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Tempting though it may be for us to jump quickly from Friday to Sunday, from cross to resurrection, Matthew pauses and brings us through the silence and stillness of the grave.

Many have tried to dismantle the hope of Christianity, suggesting that Jesus had not really died or that eager disciples had stolen his body to substantiate their claims of a risen Savior. Yet Matthew’s interlude between final breath and first appearance speaks unequivocally of a death that was real, a grave that was silent, and a situation that appeared beyond hope.

Romans were thorough in carrying out capital sentences, particularly for those accused of treason. That Joseph was able to retrieve Jesus’ body meant the executioners were satisfied with their handiwork. Jews, throughout the Old Testament, would heap rocks on the vilest of criminals to represent that for some, there would be no life beyond the grave. That a great stone would cover the entrance of the tomb meant that there was no expectation of life beyond this grave. The tomb is still, dark, silent.

This is the fate that should have been ours and the destiny of humanity. And yet, our hope is that through the one who went into the tomb before us, there is a way through and out into a new world of God’s creating. It is the hope that because one transcended the grave itself, we too may experience new life with him. Matthew’s description of the grave is a reminder that the tomb was silent and yet the silence would only last one more day.

Prayer

Our Father, remind us that the darkness of the grave will soon be overcome by the brightness of the third day. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Easter Devotionals - John 19:1-37

As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.

Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.

Today’s passage is read by Ross, and the passage is John 19:1-37.

The Cross

Re-read today's passage slowly and prayerfully, engaging your imagination as each scene unfolds. What do you see, hear, feel, smell, in each scene? What is all this meant to mean to you? Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you through the story of Christ’s death for you today.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, it was our sins that sent you to the cross. There we beheld our king. There you finished the work of our redemption. There we looked upon you, whom we had pierced. There redemption was accomplished. Thank you for your astonishing love. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Easter Devotionals - John 13:1-15 & Philippians 2:6-7

As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.

Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.

Today’s passages are read by Ryan, and the passages are John 13:1-15 & Philippians 2:6-7.

The Washing

The NIV translates verse 1: “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.” In this unexpected act of foot washing, Jesus was communicating something profound about the nature of divine love. Love is not simply what Jesus does, but love is who he is.

Often when we consider loving someone, we think in terms of actions and behaviors. We ask ourselves, “What’s the loving thing to do?” But Jesus’ unexpected, self-effacing act of service leads us to ask the antecedent question, “Who am I?” Without first asking this question, we can unknowingly place limits on our love because we are not operating out of a gospel-transformed identity. For example, if we functionally see ourselves as orphans needing to look out for ourselves instead of as God’s beloved children, we will limit our generosity towards others out of fear of not having enough. Likewise, if we think we are righteous by our own hard work, there will be boundaries to the way we are willing to serve others because our pride keeps us from serving those who “aren’t deserving.”

When we look to Christ we find a beautiful freedom to serve others, arising from the security of his identity: “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant …” (Phil 2:6-7, NIV). Jesus was able to serve in a way that no one expected because he knew the Father’s love intimately. The same heart that led him to wash the disciples’ feet would lead him to the cross. Because of Christ we have the same privileged status and security with the Father, and so we become free to serve in the radical, loving ways in which he has served us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I forget each day who I am in Christ and the grace that envelops my life. My love has limits because I don’t embrace the truth of who you have made me to be. Help me to live out the reality of being your beloved child so that my love for others flows out of this new identity. Let me be a bewildering servant to those around me as you dismantle the limits I have placed on my love. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.

Easter Devotionals - Matthew 26:1-5 & 14-25

As we approach Easter Sunday, we will be hearing readings from members of the Redeemer family, which we hope will help to prepare our hearts.

Alongside these readings we’ll be publishing blogs which make use of a Lenten Devotional published by Redeemer Presbyterian Church. We hope these devotionals and readings will help to reveal the comfort, challenge and joy found within the passages of scripture.

Today’s passage is read by Flo, and the passage is Matthew 26:1-5 & 14-25.

The Plot

Even when Jesus’ life was slipping away from him, he remained remarkably in control. He predicted his arrest and crucifixion before the religious leaders met to conspire against him. He knew that Judas, one of his trusted apostles, would betray him. How disturbing that must have been to Judas to know that Jesus could see right through his charade. Though humans have their plots and schemes, it is God’s plan that always prevails. Nothing can interfere with what he has purposed to do. And nothing is more central to God’s eternal plan than that Jesus, the Son of Man, would be delivered up to be crucified. His final meal, the Passover, carried symbolic import and pointed to the purpose for Jesus’ death. The Passover was an annual celebration of Israel’s exodus from slavery in Egypt. Jesus’ death would be the new Passover. Those who trust in him experience the ultimate Exodus — deliverance from the slavery of sin. As a result, they enjoy the privilege of living in the freedom of his love forevermore.

When life seems chaotic, when things seem not to cohere, great comfort may be found in remembering Jesus’ own experience at the end of his life. Though humans plotted against him and succeeded in executing their plan, nevertheless they could not thwart the plan of God. What comfort there is in knowing that nothing can interfere with the plan of him who is in control! He is at work in all the particulars for his good purposes. By looking to Jesus, particularly his death for us, we discover what is central to God’s plan for us: through Jesus’ death we find life, through his blood shed for us, we experience the exodus from enslaving sin and the freedom of living in his love.

Prayer

Gracious Father, thank you for being in control of our lives, especially when we feel desperately out of control. Center us in the one who is central to your plan for the ages. Enable us, Holy Spirit, to trust in Christ that we might experience the true Exodus. And having experienced the forgiveness of sin, may we live daily in the freedom of your love, wholeheartedly devoted to you. In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Copyright (c) 2012 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church.