Redeemer reads Colossians 3
Today we're reading Colossians 3, and Ann helps us not to shy away from how this passage challenges us to look at life with an eternal perspective, as well as looking at the importance of strong Christian relationships, which are especially important during this time of isolation when we aren't able to physically meet together!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Ann as she shares with us from Colossians 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Below is a sermon by Leonce Crump - now senior pastor of Renovation Church, Atlanta. He speaks powerfully on Colossians 3:11, on breaking down the walls of racism and classism, becoming part of God’s “New Ethnic”.
Redeemer reads Colossians 2
Today we're reading Colossians 2 together, and Deborah helps us to see that everything we need to know about the character of God the father can be seen through Jesus!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Deborah as she shares with us from Colossians 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
“We come to Jesus like a bird who comes to a bird feeder, pecks at it a little while, and then flies away, off to the next thing. But somebody who has truly beheld Christ for the all-satisfying treasure that he is cannot just fly away.”
In this sermon, Brandon C. Dyer walks through Colossians 2:1-5 to remind us that the biblical Jesus is not an "underwhelming" Jesus.
Redeemer reads Colossians 1
Today we begin reading Colossians together as a church, and Jess tells us about Paul’s inspiring prayer life, that helped him to know Christ was the source of his strength, whatever his circumstance!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Colossians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Jess as she shares with us from Colossians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Check out this powerful dramatic reading of Colossians 1:15-23
Colossians 1:20 tells us that through Christ, God is reconciling all things. In his book - God the Peacemaker: How Atonement Brings Shalom. Graham Cole expands on this verse, making the argument that the world’s greatest need is shalom, and that God’s aim haas always been to bring peace to the universe. This is an argument which rings particularly true in the light of recent global events. You can find a link to purchase the book below.
The true vine and the true fruit
Steve Page’s most recent poem serves as a great introduction to our new sermon series, join us on Sunday to find out more, and read on for a sneak peek….
I started writing a poem about the fruit of the spirit and it ended up being more about wine. So, this a kind of bridge between two series of Sunday morning messages. We’ve just concluded the series looking at the ‘I am’ saying of Jesus captured in the gospel of John, culminating with ‘I am the true vine’ and we’re about to spend some time with the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.
Jesus said
‘I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. … I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing…”
Paul writes in his letter to the Galatians that the fruit of the Spirit of God is
“… love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
That list captures the character of Jesus – which makes sense as it’s the Spirit of God (Jesus) that we’re talking about here. So here’s a foretaste (see what I did there?) of the next few weeks in Galatians and a reflection on Jesus as the vine.
True Fruit
Fruit goes off.It gets mushy and smelly, losing its colour and beauty - losing its taste,
eventually drying out,losing all resemblance of what it once was,only good for waste.
But fruit nurtured by a master grower,a seasoned gardener,fruit watched, pruned and watered til ripe and at its peak,this fruit is harvested, fermented,blended til building to a fuller physique,brought to full maturity til ready for the tableand for the banquet where no one's poorand no-one is able to maintain a semblance of meek.
The gardener and the wine maker,sitting at the top seats both smile their blessing.And the table branches out
giving room enough for the whole family gathering.
And the feast to end all feasts begins.
Steve Page
Redeemer reads Philippians 4
Today we finish the book of Philippians, and Becca prays for us, that we might experience peace that goes beyond our understanding!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Philippians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Becca as she shares with us from Philippians 4
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In the following article based on Philippians 4:8, Hannah Anderson helps us to learn to spot goodness wherever and whenever we encounter it.
Redeemer reads Philippians 3
Today we’re reading Philippians 3, and Toby challenges us to think about what we might need to give up in order to know more of Christ!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Philippians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from Philippians 3.
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 are exiles and refugees on earth (1 Peter 2:11), and if our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and if nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35), and if his steadfast love is better than life (Psalm 63:3), and if all hardship is working for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17), then we will give to the winds our fears and “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). We will count everything as rubbish in comparison with Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). We will “joyfully accept the plundering of our property” for the sake of unpopular acts of mercy (Hebrews 10:34). We will choose “rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin,” and will count “the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt” (Hebrews 11:25-26).
- An excerpt from Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper
Psalm 23/John's Gospel - A Mash Up
Last Sunday, Steve highlighted the links between Psalm 23 and the gospel of John. His “Biblical mash-up” is now available in blog form…
I love it when I see synergies between the Old and New Testaments – especially when the Old Testament points to Jesus.
On Sunday mornings at Redeemer, we’ve been going through the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus captured in the gospel of John. When I see the phrase ‘I am the good shepherd’ my mind immediately goes to Psalm 23’s ‘The Lord is my shepherd.
But the crossover doesn’t end there.
The Psalmist said:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Jesus said:
“I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”
The psalmist said:
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”
The psalmist said
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Jesus said
“I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness but shall have the light of life.”
The psalmist said
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Jesus said:
“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.”
The psalmist said
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
Jesus said:
“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger.”
The psalmist said:
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Jesus said:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.”
The psalmist said:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.”
The psalmist said:
And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Jesus said:
“In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? ... I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Jesus is the fulfilment of the scriptures. I encourage you as you read the Old Testament, look for pointers to Jesus: Prophet, Priest, King – Shepherd.
Written by Steve Page
Redeemer reads Philippians 2
In today’s video, Josh helps us to focus on following the example of Jesus, and looking out for others ahead of our own needs.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Philippians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Josh as he shares with us from Philippians 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Josh not only recorded the video above, but he also has written something for the further study section of today’s blog! Enjoy!
It’s really easy to think of ourselves first. When i get up in the morning and make myself a bowl of cereal, my first thought isn’t ‘I reckon Jonny (my bro) might want some breakfast too, maybe I’ll pour him a bowl.’
My first thought is ‘I’m hungry’. Inevitably, I sit down next to him to chow down on a glorious bowl of weetabix minis and he looks at me with a face that says ‘Where’s my bowl.’ I haven’t given his dietary needs that morning a second thought.
Now in Philippians 2, Paul doesn’t say much about breakfast cereal, but what he does talk about is kindness. Instead of looking out for the number one, instead of serving ourselves, he asks us to think of others first. Truly and deeply love one another and, it says ‘...in humility value others above yourselves’.
Now when I was pouring a bowl of cereal with the perfect ratio of milk to weetabix, I didnt think about anyone else's needs. It was such a small thing, I just wanted to satisfy my hunger. It would have been so flipping easy to make another bowl for Jonny but he wasn't even on my agenda.
Instead what I can do is align my mindset with that of Jesus. A man who always thought about others first, put himself last, even to the point of death on a cross. The love and care that Christ has given us, should pour out into those around us. Even if that means making someone breakfast.
Further Reading
This vid by Paul LeBoutillier is lit.
Redeemer reads Philippians 1
Today as we start to read Philippians together Lois helps us to focus on the source of true joy!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Philippians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Lois as she shares with us from Philippians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In this talk from 2017, Lutic Mosane, from Christ Church Midrand, South Africa, shares with us what it looks like to be ‘Driven by the Gospel’.
“Freedom for is not the absence of limitation, but the ability to pursue unhindered what we have been created for.” – Lutic Mosoane
Redeemer reads Ephesians 6
In today’s reading, as we finish Ephesians 6, Mandy encourages us to do the will of God from our hearts.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Ephesians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Mandy as she shares with us from Ephesians 6.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
When Gaye Clark asked her 22 year old daughter to offer up some advice on how she could continue to be a good mother now that her kids were all grown up, she found the advice sounded a lot like Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 6. You can read the article - 9 Things Adult Daughters want their Mothers to know - below.
Redeemer reads Ephesians 5
In today’s video, based around Ephesians 5, Steve talks to us about how we can imitate our heavenly father!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Ephesians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Steve as he shares with us from Ephesians 5.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
One of the verses in Ephesians 5 which sticks out, especially when reading it in today’s culture, is Ephesians 5:22 - Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
In this blog - Confessions of a Reluctant Complementarian - Rebecca McLaughlin talks honestly about how she grappled with this verse and it’s implications in how she should live her life.
You can read the blog by following the link below.
Rebecca McLaughlin holds a PhD from Cambridge University and a theology degree from Oak Hill seminary in London. She is a regular writer for The Gospel Coalition and author of Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World’s Largest Religion (Crossway, 2019). You can follow her on Twitter or Instagram, or her own website.
Hey! I'm your new family worker!
Our new families worker Sarah is the newest member of the Redeemer staff team, and she’s written a blog post to help us get to know her better!
Hi Redeemer!
I am your new family worker!
I am so excited to be here with you, at a time such as this! We are experiencing a truly unique time in history. So it’s all the more fun to start a new job right now, don’t you think!? Our community circle recently asked how I felt about beginning my role with Redeemer. My answer? Nervous!
But I’m not nervous for the traditional reasons. I’m not worried about getting along with the others in the office. I’m not nervous about the responsibilities of the job. I’m not even worried about starting a new job virtually during a pandemic.
I’m nervous because this has been such a long time coming.
I came to Ealing in 2010. When I was here that first time, God whispered to my heart. He set a call on my life, and in my soul, to serve him in London. He told me I had some growing to do first, but promised me, that one day, I’d be back.
In the ten years since then, I have grown, bargained, pleaded, worshiped, prayed, hoped, and surrendered. I never lost sight of God’s promise to me, but I learned to value God’s timing over my own. And I’m so glad I did, because here’s what I have gained in the waiting: A husband. Valuable ministry experience. Training. And the final piece that has landed me here: I became a mother. And little did I know ten years ago, that the driving force of my passion in ministry, the very thing God designed me to do, was to serve parents and their children.
Becoming a mother has stirred in me a passion to see children fall in love with Jesus. I want to equip other parents to disciple their children. God has grown a ministry in my heart, and graciously given me a church to serve with it.
So why am I nervous? Because this role represents the fulfilment of God’s promise to me. I’ve waited for this for a very long time, and now that it’s here, I want to do it well.
So now it’s my turn to make a promise!
Redeemer, here is my promise to you. As I begin this role as your Family Worker, I will follow God’s guidance in serving your families well. And I will remain driven by the God-given dream I have to see parents’ hearts made whole, and children fall in love with Jesus. This is my rally cry, for our children: May they know Jesus truly, and love him deeply, as we help them to build a foundation of faith for the rest of their lives!
Thank you all, for your warm welcome. I am thankful and humbled to be here.
Sarah xx
Redeemer reads Ephesians 4
As we read Ephesians this morning, Toby challenges us to raise our expectations for when we meet together on a Sunday, even online!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Ephesians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from Ephesians 4
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In this episode of the Word of the week podcast, entitled Gift Wrapped Grace, K. Edward Copeland, of New Zion Baptist Church, Illinois, preaches on Ephesians 4:7–16.
“Most people think a church calls a pastor to do the work. The Bible says God calls a pastor to equip the people to do the work.” — K. Edward Copeland
Redeemer reads Ephesians 3
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Ephesians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Vashti as she shares with us from Ephesians 3
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
If you’ve enjoyed Ephesians so far, and would like to go deeper and continue to study it past the beginning of next week, one way to do that would be to get hold of Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee. One of the most famous studies of Ephesians, it opens our eyes to the simple process of maturing as a Christian. Sit (our position in Christ), Walk (our life in the world), Stand (our attitude to the enemy). It’s available for less than £4 on Amazon!
Redeemer reads Ephesians 2
As we read Ephesians 2 together, Ryan talks to us about unity, and how it is rooted in our identity in Christ.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Ephesians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Ryan as he shares with us from Ephesians 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
In the video above Ryan helped us to celebrate the unity we step into when we become alive in Christ, and that is the main focus of this John Piper message from 2012, as he helps us understand 9 obstacles to racial unity.
Also, check out this dramatic reading of Ephesians 2:1-8!
Redeemer reads Ephesians 1
In our first video on Ephesians, Anna encourages us to focus on what Paul says about our identity in Christ!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of Ephesians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Anna as she shares with us from Ephesians 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Jonathan Griffiths serves as lead pastor of the Metropolitan Bible Church in Ottawa, Canada. He previously served on the staff of the Proclamation Trust here in London, studied theology at Oxford and Cambridge universities and is the author of a number of books—most recently, Preaching in the New Testament (IVP, 2017).
In this sermon on Ephesians 1:15–23, he talks about the need for our hearts to be enlightened to see the beauty of our salvation.
Lockdown Peace
Steve Page discusses how he feels a little like the disciples did on Easter Saturday, and why that’s exciting!
‘Lockdown’ – that sounds familiar
We’ve been spending time in the gospel of John - first looking at the account of the Passion and more recently looking at the ‘I am’ statements made by Jesus which give a mind-blowing insight into who He is.
But I keep going back to Easter and the aftermath of Jesus’ death.
The confusion of Easter Saturday resonates with me. What was going on? This wasn’t in the script as His disciples understood it.
In John 20 (Sunday evening of the Easter weekend in the timeline) the disciples were still frightened, still confused – and staying behind locked doors!
Then it happened – as they were huddled together,
worried about the consequences of leaving their safe place,
speculating about what would happen next (some of them had seen the empty tomb and the women said they had seen Jesus…),
in the middle of their fear and confusion –
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders…
JESUS CAME AND STOOD AMONG THEM AND HE SAID, “PEACE BE WITH YOU!
John 20:19
The peace of God and the God of peace
In Philippians 4 Paul (who had more than his fair share of trauma) writes about this peace:
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent and praiseworthy – think about such things…
And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:5-9
Lord Jesus
in our restricted space
amongst the speculation and uncertainty,
with our emotions exhausted and our anxiety fuelled daily,
come, Lord Jesus, stand among us
and speak your peace into our households
and set it guard over our hearts and minds.
And the people of God said with one voice:
AMEN
Steve Page
This blog was inspired by the movement of the Holy Spirit during one of our weekly Zoom Prayer Meetings which are happening on every Wednesday night! If you want to join us, then let us know by filling our an I’m New Here Form or by emailing hello@redeemerlondon.org
Redeemer reads Galatians 6
This morning as we finish Galatians together, Pete prays that we might be defined by the love that we show to one another.
Welcome! We’re currently reading through the book of Galatians together as a church! We’ll be reading a chapter each week day, beginning on Friday the 15th of May, and concluding on Friday the 22nd. We’re following the reading plan in the CBR Journal, which can also be found HERE.
Each day a member of the Redeemer family will be sharing with us some thoughts in video form, which can be seen above, previous days videos can be found on our Youtube channel. We’ll also be publishing blogs with more thoughts on the passages we’ve read, along with some ideas for those who want to study the passage further. We’re really looking forward to seeing God bear fruit in and through us as a church as we read his word, even during this challenging time.
Today Pete will be sharing with us his thoughts on Galatians 6.
All through his letter to the Galatians, Paul has been alluding to a division between members of the church, in this, the final chapter of the book, he directly confronts the division, and brings his emphasis on freedom into a specific context.
In this situation, the freedom that the Holy Spirit brings is a freedom to love! When we are filled with the Holy Spirit it increases our capacity to love others, it compels us to humble ourselves and carry the burdens of others, and it causes us to seek to do good to others, especially others who believe.
There will always be temptation to live to please ourselves, to ‘sow to please the flesh’ as it says in verse 8. Especially during this time the easiest thing to do is often to focus on ourselves, and what we’re going through, but in the opening verses of this final chapter Paul is calling on us to look to others, and to see where they may need our love and our compassion. But I also want to encourage you today, if you are carrying burdens of your own, to seek out others in the Redeemer family! We are all called to carry each others burdens, which is especially important in this time. None of us need to go through anything alone.
In the second half of this chapter Paul goes on to conclude his argument against the false teachers. Throughout the letter he has been emphasising, again and again, through his own experience and the experience of the Galatians, that freedom and adoption into God’s family comes by faith, and not by works. Now he presents the Galatians with the choice, between him and the other teachers, he tells them how the false teachers are focused on the flesh, whereas he himself is focused on what we should all be focused on - the cross of Jesus Christ.
False teaching will always look appealing, because it will always try to obscure the cross, the most scandalous act of grace in all of history. But in doing this, it lacks any sort of real weight when held up against the true gospel. When we choose to follow the true gospel, we choose to come to the cross, we join with Christ in his rejection and suffering, we choose not to put our trust in this world, but in the everlasting new creation which has begun with the resurrection of Jesus.
In this time of confusion, frustration and despair for many of us, we can still choose to look back at the cross and the empty grave, the turning point of history, and know that because of Jesus, and only Jesus, we are free, and living with an eternal hope.
Further Study
Tim Keller is a world renowned Christian author and teacher, and he delivered the message below on Galatians 6, at the Gospel Coalition conference in April 2017.
Redeemer reads Galatians 5
This morning as we read Galatians 5 together, Matt takes us through just what true freedom looks like for us as Christians.
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 Matt will be sharing with us his thoughts on Galatians 5.
In the first section of today’s passage, Paul continues to talk about what freedom looks like for those who are followers of Jesus, and defined by the fact they are children of God. However rather than just talking generally, he focuses specifically on the issue which the Galatians were struggling with. False teachers had arrived in Galatia after Paul had left, and had begun to successfully convince some of the Christians there that to really become “proper Christians”, they must be circumcised! Paul is aiming to change their perspective on these teachings.
The reality is that though the specific issue may have changed for us, we can still fall prey to the same false teachings that the Galatians did. We can choose to believe that it is something which we accomplish which gains us the right to be children of God, that is not only untrue, but it separates us from being able to truly understand, and partly reject the grace and love shown through Jesus’ death on a cross for us! That’s a dangerous place to be!
It is so important, especially in times like this, when we can feel so powerless to achieve anything for ourselves, that we remember Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
The second half of the chapter, from verse 13-25, is a continuation of Paul’s explaining just how to live by that very first verse. Focusing on how slavery can also look like a lack of religion, and falling back into being servants of our own desires.
Doing whatever we want is not true freedom, when whatever we want is to satisfy the desires of our old self. True freedom as a follower of Jesus comes from divine sonship, from submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and serving others above ourselves, out of love.
My prayer for you today is that you choose to live by the very first verse in today’s passage, and that God would pour out his Holy Spirit on you today, that you might not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery, but instead walk in true freedom!
Further Study
T. J. Tims is lead pastor of Immanuel Nashville. He earned a BA from Southeastern Bible College, an MA from King’s College London in 2010, and is a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
In this podcast, Tims walks us through Galatians 5:5-6 and reminds us why we need to hear the gospel again and again.
Lockdown Diaries - Mandy
In the first of a new blog series, Mandy Hudson talks of how she’s been reminded of God’s faithfulness during this time.
Today we launch a new blog series - Lockdown Diaries, where we hear from members of our Redeemer family about how they have seen God at work in their lives, even in the middle of the current lockdown.
Today’s lockdown diary is written by Mandy Hudson.
“We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
2 Chronicles 20v12
We are living through probably the most unsettling few weeks of our lives.
I’ve been a Christian for over forty-three years now and have been blessed by having a close relationship with Jesus. My personal circumstances haven’t always been easy, but God has proved His faithfulness time and time again.
Just before lockdown, my care needs had been re-assessed by adult social care. The process, which had been nothing short of traumatic three years ago was miraculously completed in eight weeks enabling me to benefit from agency care when the social isolation rules were enforced.
This is just one example of God’s marvellous provision for me in these difficult times we are all facing.
The most unsettling part of this crisis for me was when we were moving towards lockdown. I found myself having to shift gear from a life hurtling at great speed to a complete standstill in a matter of days.
I wasn’t at all well when the lockdown began. It’s at these times of greatest weakness, I find that God makes His power and strength perfect. He proves His grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12 v9). What a comfort to be safe resting in Jesus at these times.
Don’t get me wrong - these are tough times.
I thought I’d be able to roll along in my own little happy spiritual bubble – until the morning I woke up to find someone had dumped a bed immediately outside my flat. I was so angry and upset by it. I had to realise one can never escape one’s own bad temper!
Thank you, Jesus, that you love us unconditionally and are constantly refining our character. These weeks are the perfect opportunity to learn more about how we live life to the full as we keep our eyes fixed on Him
Hallelujah!
Mandy Hudson