Redeemer reads 2 Thessalonians 3
In today's video as we finish reading 2 Thessalonians together, Anna warns us against being those who grow tired of doing good!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 2 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Anna as she shares with us from 2 Thessalonians 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Paul doesn’t assume laziness must mean lostness, but he’s dead serious that genuine Christians don’t stay lazy.
David Mathis
In the article linked below, David Mathis focuses on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 as he explains that laziness is profoundly unchristian, and how we can confront it in our own lives as followers of Jesus.
Redeemer reads 2 Thessalonians 1
As we begin to read 2 Thessalonians together, Toby encourages us to practice thanksgiving and gratitude, and to fix our eyes on our eternal hope.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 2 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from 2 Thessalonians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
If we adopt Paul’s eternal perspective, and his practice of thanking God for signs of his grace, what sorts of requests should we present to God?
Find the answer to that question in this excerpt from “Praying with Paul” - an 8 session bible study written by D.A. Carson, a link to which is below.
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 5
As we read 1 Thessalonians 5 this morning, Timali encourages us to follow Paul's advice and live as children of light, full of joy, especially in this challenging time!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Timali as she shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 5.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In this sermon on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Brian Davis unpacks what it means to live without grumbling by giving thanks in all things.
“If the Lord is entirely sovereign (which he is), and if he is always good to you in Christ (which he is), well then, when we grumble and complain in any circumstance, we’re actually denying God’s involved. Denying that he’s being good. And who do we think we’re grumbling and complaining against?” — Brian Davis
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 1
Today, we continue to follow the CBR Journal reading plan, and we begin the book of 1 Thessalonians! In this video Sam asks us to think about what the phrase 'The Good News of Jesus Christ' means to us.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Sam as he shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
As we begin to read the book of 1 Thessalonians together, watch the video below for an overview of what the book is all about!
Redeemer reads Colossians 4
In today's video, as we finish reading Colossians together, Toby simply prays for us, following Paul's instructions in this final chapter of the book.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from Colossians 4.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
The apostle Paul seems like someone who took the initiative. If we could imagine Paul we would think of a guy who would just parachute into a town and talk to everyone about Jesus before lunch…
But where did Paul’s boldness come from? Find out in this blog by Erik Raymond, based on Colossians 4.
Redeemer reads Colossians 1
Today we begin reading Colossians together as a church, and Jess tells us about Paul’s inspiring prayer life, that helped him to know Christ was the source of his strength, whatever his circumstance!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Jess as she shares with us from Colossians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Check out this powerful dramatic reading of Colossians 1:15-23
Colossians 1:20 tells us that through Christ, God is reconciling all things. In his book - God the Peacemaker: How Atonement Brings Shalom. Graham Cole expands on this verse, making the argument that the world’s greatest need is shalom, and that God’s aim haas always been to bring peace to the universe. This is an argument which rings particularly true in the light of recent global events. You can find a link to purchase the book below.
Redeemer reads Galatians 4
Today as we read Galatians 4 as a church, Ross & Hannah help to remind us it’s not about us, but all about Jesus, and that through him we are made heirs of God’s incredible promises!
Welcome! Over the next week we will be reading through the book of Galatians together as a church! We’ll be reading a chapter each week day, beginning on Friday the 15th of May, and concluding on Friday the 22nd. We’re following the reading plan in the CBR Journal, which can also be found HERE.
Each day a member of the Redeemer family will be sharing with us some thoughts in video form, which can be seen above, previous days videos can be found on our Youtube channel. We’ll also be publishing blogs with more thoughts on the passages we’ve read, along with some ideas for those who want to study the passage further. We’re really looking forward to seeing God bear fruit in and through us as a church as we read his word, even during this challenging time.
Today Ross & Hannah will be sharing with us their thoughts on Galatians 4 in the video above.
Today’s chapter of Galatians sees a continuation of Paul’s desire to prevent the Galatian church from coming back under the law, but he uses a new tactic! He has previously talked about justification, but now he begins to talk about freedom, and that the choice to live under the law is like choosing to return to being slaves! At the root of Paul’s argument here is the fundamental change in identity that occurs when we choose to believe the truth of the gospel. We are now children of God!
When Jesus won the victory over sin and death, he won for us adoption, out of the slavery we were living in, and into true freedom as God’s sons and daughters.
The first 11 verses of this chapter are split into two sections, verses 1-7 talk about how we have been brought into sonship by Christ. In verses 1-2 Paul explains how the Jewish people were like heirs who are children when they lived under the law, that they were being pointed in the direction of the true freedom they could one day receive, but still living lives similar to those lived by slaves, because of the rules they had to follow. But this status was changed when Jesus died, as he redeemed those who had been living under the law, and had not lived up to its impossible standard. As believers in Christ we are no longer living like children under the law, but instead are sons, and are guided by the Holy Spirit, the presence of the living Jesus is within us!
Verses 8-11 go on to talk about the temptation to return, which is not only about returning to being under the law, but is also aimed at those who are Gentiles (which includes us!), and warns them about returning to being enslaved to the false gods of this world. But there is also a threat that we can fall into the same trap as the Jewish people too, we can start to think that living as a Christian is about doing whatever you can to increase your own stature in the eyes of other christians and even in the eyes of God. It is so crucial that we don’t fall down this rabbit hole, but instead choose to use the truth in this passage to remind us that we don’t need to prove our worth to receive God’s incredible gift of grace to us.
Further Study
If you have enjoyed reading Galatians with us over the last week or so, but would like to spend more time studying the text and exploring it at a deeper theological level, then good news!
Dr. Douglas Moo, Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College Graduate School, is an acknowledged expert in the writings and theology of Paul. His commentary on Romans is among the best ever written, and he is working on a new commentary on Galatians. In the freely available course linked below, Professor Moo - in association with The Gospel Coalition - will walk you through the book of Galatians and will spend considerable time summarizing Paul’s basic theology.
Redeemer reads Galatians 1
This morning we’re starting the book of Galatians together, and Noble helps us to focus on the authenticity of the true gospel, challenging us not to get distracted by the world around us.
Welcome! Over the next week we will be reading through the book of Galatians together as a church! We’ll be reading a chapter each week day, beginning on Friday the 15th of May, and concluding on Friday the 22nd. We’re following the reading plan in the CBR Journal, which can also be found HERE.
Each day a member of the Redeemer family will be sharing with us some thoughts in video form, which can be seen above, previous days videos can be found on our Youtube channel. We’ll also be publishing blogs with more thoughts on the passages we’ve read, along with some ideas for those who want to study the passage further. We’re really looking forward to seeing God bear fruit in and through us as a church as we read his word, even during this challenging time.
Today Noble will be sharing with us his thoughts on Galatians 1 in the video above.
Paul isn’t always nice! At the very beginning of his letter, once we’ve read the initial introductions, we see Paul get straight down to the nitty gritty, and focus in on just where the Galatian church has got it wrong! They have been accepting the teachings of people which are disputing the truth of the gospel, so Paul can’t afford to be nice! He must get them off this course they have set for themselves as quickly as possible! Throughout this first chapter we are taught of the importance of reading and understanding the true gospel, which is encouraging for us reading now, as (I assume anyway) the fact you are reading this means you have taken the first step in learning the truth of the gospel, which is reading God’s word!
The language that Paul uses is blunt because it is of such importance, if we are convinced to pursue a man made version of the gospel rather than the truth, it can have devastating effects for our lives now, and for our eternal future. The only true gospel is that which we read in the Bible, that taught to us by Jesus Christ himself. This is incredible truth, that the words we have read this morning, and the words we will be reading over the next week together, are words which carry the power of God! How amazing that is!
When we discover the story of Jesus, the one who gave himself for us, we are invited into his family, we share in the hope that comes from being a child of God! In the same instant, as we accept that invitation, we are able to move out of the hopelessness of a life defined by our present circumstance. There is no human message that could ever achieve such an incredible miraculous transformation for us, which is why it’s great news that we’ll be able to discover even more of the gospel story together over the next week, I can’t wait!
Justin Wainscott is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Jackson, Tennessee and in his talk from February 2017 he further explores this topic from Galatians 1:10-24 in a message entitled - Not Man’s Gospel
“God turned a self-righteous Pharisee into one who would call himself the least of the apostles and the chief of sinners. . . . A man-made gospel will not do that.”
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 5
This morning as we continue to read 2 Corinthians together, Toby focuses on how verse 19 gives us a hope of friendship with God right now!
Welcome! Over the next few weeks we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.
This morning Toby is sharing with us, you can watch his video above. He has also shared some more of his thoughts on the passage below.
In verse 19 it says "God was reconciling the world to him in Christ". The Bible uses many ways to describe what Jesus blood has done for us, here Paul uses the word reconcile to remind us that Jesus has won for us FRIENDSHIP with God. Our sin has ALIENATED us from God, but through Jesus, God has drawn near to us again.He has restored the relationship with us.
What hope this can bring in this challenging time, that not only do we have eternal relationship with God, but we have personal relationship, a Friendship with God today. Let's not forget too, that 'All this is from God' verse 18. As we sang just yesterday. What amazing grace.
What Jesus did for us at the cross is often described as ‘The Great Exchange’, a moment where our sin is swapped for the pure, spotless righteousness of Christ. This is the moment being described in verse 21. It is so important for us as Christians to remember this moment at the beginning of each day, it is the foundation of everything about us. That we have been irreversibly changed, and we can walk with confidence knowing that we have been clothed in Christ’s righteousness!
Further Study
in 2017, Grace Hill Church, Virginia, USA, preached a 5 week series based on 2 Corinthians 5. The series, entitled ‘Life in a Tent’ focused on the worldview of the apostle Paul and what we can learn from it. You can listen to the first part, and find links to the rest of the series, below.
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 4
Today we read our final chapter of 2 Corinthians for this week, Tara encourages us not to lose heart, as we are reminded of God’s great glory!
Welcome! Over the next few weeks we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.
This morning Tara is sharing with us, you can watch her video above. She has also shared some more of her thoughts on the passage below.
I thank God that he has unveiled my faith and sent an atomic bomb to shed His Light on my darkness.
I particularly loved the reminder of Paul’s war cry prophesy in verses 8-9. I am so grateful that in my weakness and darkest moments I have this declaration. I am particularly declaring this over our frontline NHS staff members.
In chapter 4 Paul encourages us “I believed, and so I spoke.” This is not the season for unspoken faith. But the season to confess and speak Gods word into existence.
I loved the image of “that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.” Gods Grace is extending to so many during this season and we must continue to be the light and salt of the earth.
I am encouraged not to lose heart. Though we are not exempt from suffering and our outer self fades we have the hope that our inner self is renewed day by day.
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Further Study
Paul’s ministry was by no means a story of total success and minimal hurdles, and as we read in today’s passage, there was clearly many people who weren’t responding to his gospel message! This is similar in many ways to our own experience of evangelism. In this talk (link below) from September 2017, Mike Cain of Emmanuel Bristol shares with us how to respond “when it appears the gospel isn’t working”.
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 2
Josh shares with us his reflections on 2 Corinthians 2 as we continue to read the bible together as a church.
Welcome! Over the next few weeks we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.
This morning Josh is sharing with us, you can watch his video above.
Yesterday as we read 2 Corinthians 1 it was great to be reminded by Leslie of the comfort that we find in following Jesus. In todays passage we see that God not only wants to bring comfort into times of suffering but also wants to bring forgiveness.
In verse 7 Paul asks those in the church in Corinth to choose to forgive one who has sinned against them ‘so that he will not be overcome by excessive sorrow’.
As Christians we know that we too are in need of forgiveness, that we have sinned and fallen short. In this season, many of us are in a heightened emotional state, with very little outlet for those emotions! That often leads to actions, whether done by us or to us, which require forgiveness! The only way that we know as Christians to stop ourselves slipping into bitterness is to remind ourselves of forgiveness that we received through Christ.
Our ability to forgive today doesn’t come from our own personal strength of will, but instead from reflecting towards others the forgiveness we have ourselves received.
This is not just crucial for our own personal relationships, but also for us as a church! As a church community we are a group of people who are all sinners, and all need forgiveness! In verse 8 we are reminded that we are to welcome and to forgive those amongst us who are stumbling and faltering. But the passage also reminds us that we are to be honest when we stumble, to confess, and to seek forgiveness not just from God but from our fellow church family members too.
Further study
In verse 14 of chapter 2 Paul describes his own life as being like captives in a “triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.'“ In the blog below Justin Taylor attempts to shed some light on this somewhat confusing image.
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians 1
As we begin 2 Corinthians together Leslie encourages us to find comfort in following Jesus, even in the midst of suffering.
Welcome! Over the next few weeks we are going to be reading 2 Corinthians together as a church, 1 chapter every week day. We’re encouraging everyone to read the passage, pray, and share with a few others what they felt God was pointing out to them in his word. Every day we’re going to be hearing from someone at Redeemer about what they felt God pointed out to them as they read the passage.
This morning Leslie is sharing with us, you can watch her video above, and read some of her thoughts on the passage below.
In 1 Corinthians we were challenged to align every area of our life to the gospel. Thus, it is fitting that in the beginning of his second letter to the Corinthian church, Paul talks about affliction. As followers of Christ living gospel-centered lives, we will face hardship and trials. But there is great encouragement to be found in the opening verses of 2 Corinthians 1.
3“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts s in all our affliction…”
God is the source of all mercy and comfort and he is with us. God will not allow suffering where he will not also provide is comfort.
4“so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
God comforts us so we can comfort others. We are meant to live in community with one another. We share our trials and hardships, and then we reciprocate the comfort we have received from God.
5“For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.”
Our suffering is the result of choosing to follow Christ. Yet where there is great suffering, there is also great comfort.
6“If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort…”
Paul did not hesitate to suffer for the sake of others. Paul’s purpose was always to strengthen other believers. Suffering is never wasted.
8“we were utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself…. 9but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God…”
Once again, we see Paul’s full confidence in God. God who raises the dead. God who will deliver us.
Take-away: Drawing strength from these truths, where do I need to confidently choose the way of Christ, even if it might involve suffering?
Further Study
If you are looking to go deeper into your study of 2 Corinthians during this time we’ll be recommending resources to help you do so.
This morning as we start the book I’d like to point you in a direction of a Podcast called ‘How to Teach the Bible’, the episode on 2 Corinthians is found by following the link below. George Guthrie, a college professor and Christian author, takes us through some of the more complex concepts in the book of 2 Corinthians.
If you have been going through a season of suffering recently and you are reading the words of 1 Corinthians 1 this morning and still can’t fully grasp why God has led you to the situation that you’re in now, then you may find the below article helpful, as John Piper attempts to answer the question - Why Doesn’t God Fully Explain my Pain?
Redeemer reads 2 Corinthians - Intro
Tomorrow we start reading 2 Corinthians together as a church! Today we hear why it’s such a great biblical book to read right now!
When I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
This is one of the key verses in 2 Corinthians, and is one of the reasons I'm really glad we're going to be reading it together as a church during this time. Because the book helps to remind us that God has a completely different view on how the world works than we do! And it's great to be reminded of that at the moment!
The world will tell us that the path to happiness and security is found within us. True satisfaction comes from us having power and authority, us looking good, us having our needs met. Paul in 2 Corinthians points us to the cross, which shows that actually serving others, even at our own expense, is the key to true satisfaction, that in our weakness, we discover the power of God.
That's something that I think we all need daily reminders of at the moment. I know I do! It seems that every day I see something on the news, or hear a story from a friend or relative, or just observe the mundane nature of aspects of my life at the moment, and it all serves to remind me of the fact that life really isn't about me or about my ability or strength.
But God says this -
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.
2 Corinthians 12:9
If you want to discover more of God's power, or simply remind yourself of who is in control then join us, starting tomorrow! As we read 2 Corinthians together as a church, make sure you subscribe to the YouTube channel, and visit redeemerlondon.org/blog to see all of the daily resources we'll be producing to help you as we read together! Bless you, and see you tomorrow!