Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 2
As we continue to read 1 Timothy together, Brittany tackles a tough chapter in 1 Timothy 2, reminding us not to shy away from the parts of scripture which make us ask questions, and to trust God and his design for life.
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 Timothy, 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 Brittany as she shares with us from 1 Timothy 2.
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 most controversial passages of scripture in recent years has been 1 Timothy 2:12, and there have been many discussions about what this verse means for women in the church. If you’re interested in looking into this verse in more detail one great place to start is this blog from Andrew Wilson, who is now the teaching pastor at King’s Church London.
Why I'm talking about Biases
Ann Ajet has written a great blog which should be both a challenge and and encouragement to all of us, as we respond to recent events across the world.
15 weeks ago, Ahmaud Arbery went out for a jog and never came home. Two white males saw Arbery running in their neighbourhood in Brunswick, Georgia and decided he was “dangerous” and took it upon their own volition to chase him and shoot him to death. Sadly, this simple narrative of black guilt has played out devastatingly in a pattern of unjustified killings in the US. In the Arbery case, I asked myself - what sort of world must these two white males inhabit to draw to the conclusion that a black man jogging must mean he is guilty of something?
Perhaps these two males existed in a very white world, perhaps they didn’t have any black friends, perhaps they viewed black people as threatening? A survey in the US found that 75 percent of white Americans have “entirely white social networks”[1]. Based on this data, it can be easy to see how these types of homogenous settings can set up the conditions where the archetype of the black person being “dangerous and threatening” is perpetuated.
I saw this played out in my own life. When I first introduced my black boyfriend (now my husband) to my parents, they had shared their concerns with him about the safety of their daughter. They feared he would be like many of the “black people” they saw on the news who committed crime. I don’t doubt my parent’s concern for me but their fear was unfounded and ill-informed.
LOVE THE INDIVIDUAL IN FRONT OF YOU
When we deflect the opportunity to know a person as an individual, we default to stereotypes. We do this by creating caricatures we’ve erroneously extrapolated from a racial subset. We contradict ourselves when we wouldn’t bind the same extrapolations to our own racial group - because we know enough people of our ethnicity to know that it consists of rich and varied characters. Existing in our own social bubbles gives currency to these stereotypes and until we resist the cultural tide and spend quality time with other people from outside our own groups; we won’t see them as an individual - as a fully formed human being with hopes, desires and fears just like us.
In a moment of unwarranted fear, these two white males shot Ahmaud Arbery. This tragic case displays how insidious thoughts and mindsets can lead to actions. Unchecked and not dealt with, can lead to devastating consequences.
As a Christian, what drew me to the character of Jesus Christ was how he accurately diagnosed our condition. He took a scalpel to our inner lives and exposed the root of our sin. “For it is from within, our of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come. All of these evils come from inside and defile a person”. (Mark 7:21-23). Ill thoughts are first harboured in the heart and mind and until we deal with that, sin becomes malignant and spreads to something more troubling.
I respect the actions of many who bring attention to the injustices coming from the US - protests and petitions have been set up to find justice for Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and other black lives that have been killed carelessly. However, long lasting changes have to run deeper - we need to understand the conditions that set up racism. - As Martin Luther King puts it:
“We are called to play the good Samaritan on life’s roadside; but that will be only an initial act. One day the whole Jericho road must be transformed so that men and women will not be beaten and robbed as they make their journey through life. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it understands that an edifice that produces beggars needs restructuring”
What King refers to is more than exonerating our guilt with a coin but collectively having deep paradigm shifts that can change the game.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN THE CHURCH
I value being part of a diverse church, I also value the fact that my gym is also diverse. It’s sad yet true - that it’s possible to sit with one another at church yet keep one another at a distance. The real litmus test of authentic diversity is who are we allowing in our lives, who do we have meaningful relationships with, who do we confide in, who do we allow to influence us? This is much harder to cultivate, it’s the difference between diversity and inclusion, Verna Myers, a diversity strategist puts it “Diversity is being invited to the dance, Inclusion is being asked to dance”.
I am blessed to be part of a church where my leaders foster an environment where multiple races are represented at the front and in the middle. As a result, I have brothers and sisters from many backgrounds - I truly embrace that and thank God for these rich experiences. Still, I see many homogenised groups existing in our churches. This is problematic particularly in London when there’s no legitimate reasons why that would be so.
Statistics suggests that one third of white Britons have no friends outside their own ethnicities [2]. Other factors play a role here but data suggests non-white people are more open to friendships outside their own race than Caucasian people are. It would be interesting to ask the question, how do these separations evolve?
I celebrate the fact that as a society, there have been huge leaps forward in stamping out overt forms of racism, but as Christians, our convictions and model of love has to be calibrated to the Bible. In order to move the dialogue meaningfully - I think we need to talk less in terms of racism, a term that often invokes images of white supremist or racist chanting football fans. A term which we can shirk the label of and tune out hearers. We need to change the script and talk in categories of bias and prejudices which are more prevalent, which as a compromised human being - I feel my own biases.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
It’s important to bring into the light, something that operates in its inherent invisibility. Our non-verbal cues to people different from us are just as revealing as our verbal cues, they can signal to someone - I do/don’t want to know you better, I value you (less). This is not about perfection but these things are simply invisible to some of us or that we’ve persisted in these attitudes unchallenged for so long that they’ve become our automatic responses.
It’s a call for self-examination and an awareness of our unconscious biases. By bringing these things into the light – we give them less authority over us and we can make intentional movements towards the way of love. Redressing our biases, developing positive associations with other ethnicities and reshaping our heart and outlook.
We do ask our leaders to break it down for us, speak incisively into our contexts and to cultivate a culture where discipling relationships are the norm. This needs to be more than a reactive mandate to stamp out racism but a proactive command to love one another. As our aperture widens with the re-education of black history - our hearts are more visible to the fact that implicit in Jesus’s cornerstone command to love one another is a call to love everyone - Jews and Gentiles, Black, Brown and White, “and by this all men will know you are my disciples, if you love one another”. John 13:35.
On this side of heaven - I’m realistic that we will never reach perfect love and unity. “When the Perfect comes, the partial shall pass away” (1 Corinthian 13:10). Our identity in Christ is above our ethnic identity, the father declares our ultimate worth and dignity. However, we can’t avoid the chasm, we need to see it and close it as much as possible. It’s a return to discipleship, of being aware of our earthly nature, growing in confession and turning to the redemptive power of Christ and doing our best to walk as Jesus walked.
By Ann Ajet
Footnotes
[1] https://www.prri.org/research/poll-race-religion-politics-americans-social-networks/
[2] https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2018/05/03/one-third-white-britons-dont-have-any-friends-ethn
Redeemer reads 1 Timothy 1
As we begin to read 1 Timothy together, Winnie reminds us that we don't have to be perfect to fulfil the role that God has called us 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 1 Timothy, 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 Winnie as she shares with us from 1 Timothy 1.
If you have time, and a desire to know more, you’ll find ideas for further study of todays passage below.
Further Study
Today we start reading 1 Timothy together, watch the video below to see an overview of the book, which breaks down its literary design and its flow of thought. In 1 Timothy, Paul shows Timothy how to restore order and purpose to the church in Ephesus which has been disrupted by false teachers.
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 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.