Redeemer reads 2 Thessalonians 2
Good morning! Today we are reading 2 Thessalonians 2, and due to a mix up with videos (apologies for the slight delay in releasing this one!) Toby is sharing with us again! This morning he helps us to be encouraged to stand firm in the truth during this time, just as Paul encouraged the church in Thessalonica to do!
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 2 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Toby as he shares with us from 2 Thessalonians 2.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
In today’s passage, Paul talks in some detail about the timings of the return of Christ. This is something which definitely demands further study, and a good place to start is this helpful article from Sam Waldron - the president of Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary and a pastor of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, Kentucky. He is the author of numerous books, including The End Times Made Simple.
You will find his blog, entitled - Christ Will Not Return at Any Moment - linked below.
Redeemer reads 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 4
Today as we read 1 Thessalonians 4 together, Greg gives us 4 ways in which we can walk in the truth that we read in this chapter!
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 Greg as he shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 4.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Death does not get the final word for believers. In this edition of his regular video series - Look at the Book - John Piper explains that our tears when someone goes on into glory are bitter and sweet, full of ache and hope, and loss and celebration.
You can find the study guide to go along with this video HERE
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 3
As we read 1 Thessalonians 3 together, Adele helps us to see the parallels between our own isolation during the current pandemic, and Paul's as he was writing this letter to the church in Thessalonica.
Welcome! Here at Redeemer we believe that the Bible is the word of God, that it’s alive, and that its words can and should shape every aspect of our lives as Christians. But we also know it’s not easy to get into the habit of reading it every day! So we are following the CBR Bible Reading plan - which can be found below - to help us read the bible together.
We are currently reading the book of 1 Thessalonians, and every week day we will be releasing a video on our social media & YouTube accounts, with a member of our Redeemer family explaining what they feel God is saying to them through the passage!
Today we hear from Adele as she shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 3.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
One of the verses which Adele touches on in her video above is 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - May your love increase and overflow for each other.
Most of us are familiar with the “one another” commands of the New Testament. In the study guide for his book - Gospel in Life: Grace Changes Everything. Tim Keller helpfully lists these statements under the categories of affirming one another, sharing with one another, and serving one another. These “one another commands” form, he says, “nine ‘community-building practices’—specific behaviors that build Christian community.” For a more detailed unpacking of each point, see pp. 58-71 of the book.
The categories are listed below courtesy of a blog from thegospelcoalition by Justin Taylor which can be found HERE
Affirm
1. Affirm one another’s strengths, abilities, and gifts.
Romans 12:10: “Honor one another”
James 5:9: “Don’t grumble against each other”
Romans 12:3-8: Confirm the gifts of one another
2. Affirm one another’s equal importance in Christ.
Romans 15:7: “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you”
1 Corinthians 12:25: “Have equal concern for each other”
1 Peter 5:5: “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another”
James 2:1: “Don’t show favoritism”
3. Affirm one another through visible affection.
Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss”
James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak”
Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another”
1 Thessalonians 3:12: “[May] your love increase and overflow for each other”
Share
4. Share one another’s space, goods, and time.
Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love”
1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another”
Galatians 6:10: “As we have opportunity, let us do good”
5. Share one another’s needs and problems.
Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens”
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Encourage one another”
Hebrews 3:13: “Encourage one another daily”
6. Share one another’s beliefs, thinking, and spirituality.
Colossians 3:16: “Teach and admonish one another”
Ephesians 5:19: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”
Romans 12:16: “Live in harmony with one another”
1 Corinthians 1:10: “Agree with one another”
Serve
7. Serve one another through accountability.
James 5:16: “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other”
Romans 15:14: “Instruct one another”
Ephesians 4:25: “Speak truthfully”
8. Serve one another through forgiveness and reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:2: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”
Colossians 3:13: “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another”
Galatians 5:25: Don’t provoke or envy one another
James 4:11: “Do not slander one another”
Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15: Reestablish broken relationships with one another
9. Serve one another’s interests rather than our own.
Hebrews 10:24: “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”
Romans 15:1-2: Don’t please yourself but please others
Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another”
Redeemer reads 1 Thessalonians 2
As we continue to read 1 Thessalonians, Richard takes us through chapter 2, and the way Paul displays not just the facts of salvation, but the heart of salvation!
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 Richard as he shares with us from 1 Thessalonians 2
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Coming Soon
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 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