ISSUE TWELVE // DECEMBER 2013
BORN TO DIE BY: JOHN F. MACARTHUR, JR.
THIS MONTH AT REDEEMER
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 4:30 & 7 PM
WANT TO GET PLUGGED INTO A COMMUNITY GROUP?
MERCY UPDATE MITTEN TREE FOR RESOURCE WEST In
December,
be
under the Mitten Tree located at
Family
the south end of the lower level
Resource Center as a part of our mercy
hallway next to the coat room.
offering. ResourceWest serves families in the
On December 22, we will place a
Hopkins/Minnetonka School districts.
Bible verse in each item collected
partnering
Redeemer
with
Kids
items and place them on or
ResourceWest
will
The Winter Warm Wear Program is open
before we give them away.
from November through March each year. We stock up with new or gently used winter
CONTACT OUR NEW COMMUNITY GROUP COORDINATOR!
Katie Hollermann
email: katie @redeemerbiblechurch.com
MISSIONARY UPDATE
jackets, snow pants, boots, and new hats
On December 15, Karise Pagano
and mittens. This program provides winter
will be visiting our Sunday School
essentials for more than 700 children of local
classes. She will be sharing how
low-income families.
God is using her in Italy! We will
The program is for children from newborn to
also have the opportunity to pray
age 18. In addition, we have a limited selection
over the offerings we collected
of adult jackets available. Each qualified child
for her ministry.
will receive (if available) a winter jacket, a pair of snow pants, a pair of winter boots, a hat, and a pair of mittens. If you would like to participate in this program, please bring the above mentioned
December 1st, 2013
BORN TO DIE
VISION UPDATE
12 | BY: JOHN F. MACARTHUR, JR.
| Mark Summers gives us an update on how the expansion of Mercy to the Cities has been going.
| Pastor Bob gets us thinking about our expectations for Christmas by asking this question: What do you want from Christmas?
KIDS CORNER
REDEMPTION HOUSE
Jesus was born to die. Don’t think I’m trying to put a damper on your Christmas spirit. Far from it for Jesus’ death, though devised and carried out by men with evil intentions, was in no sense a tragedy. In fact, it represents the greatest victory over evil anyone has ever accomplished. CREDITS Design/Direction: Chuck Forsberg Content Manager: Lorie Schnell Writer/Editor: Brittney Westin Photos by: Jaimee Morse (24), Josh Hway (2,22).
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8
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 6
10
| Parents: here is a Christmas bedtime story that you can enjoy reading to your children sometime this month.
| Learn about the mercy ministry of Redemption House and the needs they have this Christmas season.
GET INVOLVED
DISCIPLESHIP
18 | Redeemer needs
20 | Here is a life-on-
your help! There are about 100 volunteer positions available.
life testimony from Pam Deckert whose life has been impacted for the gospel by another member.
NEW MEMBERS
FINANCIAL UPDATE
24 | Welcome our newest
26 | How is our church
members to the family. We’re so glad to have you here!
doing financially? Get a year to date snapshot here.
VISION UPDATE
Fruit of the Gospel for the Good of the World EXPAND MERCY TO THE CITIES
EXPAND MERCY TO THE CITIES
Foster Proactive Membership in the RBC Family Recruit & Train Launch Team Recast Community Groups for Fruitfulness Develop School of Gospel Formation
BY: MARK SUMMERS
T
he launch and early growth of Mercy to the
a new group of area families. As part of this, we will be seeking
Cities over the past year has consisted of
additional Redeemerites to serve as mentors for the families
Biblical grassroots initiative and entrepreneurial
we’ll be working with through this program in which we provide
ministry-building meeting the opportunities
structured financial assistance from our Mercy Fund, coupled
the Lord has presented to Redeemer Bible
with coaching and mentoring in basic life skills such as getting
Church. Beginning with our meetings last year with social and educational institutions in the Minnetonka area in order
The WEST group of area churches, of which we are a part,
to identify areas of specific need in the western suburbs, we
will be participating in training provided by the Hennepin
moved forward with a threefold strategy based on working with
County Office to End Homelessness so that we can develop
ResourceWest (a private nonprofit focused on addressing the
a plan to increase the availability of affordable housing in the
needs of the poor in Hopkins and Minnetonka) by helping form
western suburbs. This will aid in continuing the work we’ve
a coalition of churches in the Excelsior-Minnetonka area called
already begun toward this goal with several area apartment
Western Ecumenical Service Team (WEST), and developing our
owners and managers.
own internal case management team for directly working with
We are also planning to add a staff position in the office at
area individuals and families through our Mercy Ministry. We
Redeemer to handle much of the heavy administrative support
also began exploring the possibilities for urban mercy ministry
required by mercy ministry. This person will also assist with
through meeting with several Minneapolis churches, which
expanding our internal case management capabilities as well
resulted in initiating a relationship with Zion Baptist Church in
as helping with shifting the role of our deacons more toward
Minneapolis.
providing oversight and strategic direction for the mercy
As we move into 2014, a key goal is to increase the Biblical understanding of, as well as involvement with mercy ministry by
ministry. The vision we share with Zion Baptist is one of comprehensive
the Redeemer church body. Beginning next spring, Principles
gospel-based
and Practice of Mercy Ministry will be offered through the
Minneapolis neighborhoods surrounding Zion. This is a project
School of Gospel Formation. This will be a five- to six-hour
that we see unfolding over the next ten to fifteen years and
course covering topics such as understanding the Biblical case
involving many people from both churches working with
for mercy ministry, how it’s a foundational building block of
community-based organizations.
gospel ministry, how to engage as individuals and a church in
a series of regular prayer meetings involving leadership from
ministries of mercy, and why participation in mercy ministry
both churches to seek the Lord’s leading on how and where to
must be an indispensable part of the life of a true church and
community
redevelopment
in
the
North
begin.
We are planning to begin
its individual members. Additionally, in order to make teaching
Lastly, we want to expand Mercy to the Cities through growing
on the ministry of mercy a regular part of our Sunday worship,
the involvement of the entire body at Redeemer in three ways:
our November Mercy Minute began a twelve-part series of
regular prayer for the ministry, increased participation in giving
mini-lessons on the ministry of mercy that will continue during
to the Ministry of Mercy, and growth in direct participation by
future Mercy Minutes throughout most of 2014.
Redeemerites in Mercy to the Cities ministry work. Please pray
Our deacon team will also be working hard on expanding all
about whether and how the Lord is calling you to take a hands-
four of our Mercy to the Cities ministry initiatives mentioned
on role. Ask a deacon how you can increase your involvement
above.
with this vital evangelistic ministry, and pray for the Lord to
Working with ResourceWest, we are planning to
continue our financial assistance and mentoring program with 4
and keeping a job, budgeting, and money management.
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
show you how he wants you to do so. //RBC
(Redeemer) will be participating in training provided by the Hennepin County Office to End Homelessness so that we can develop a plan to increase the availability of affordable housing in the western suburbs.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM CHRISTMAS? BY: PASTOR R W GLENN
W
hat are your expectations for Christmas?
6. Eat cinnamon rolls and DRINK COFFEE.
For me, Christmastime has always been my
7. Beginning from the youngest to the oldest,
favorite time of the year. Our family has a series
open our gifts, one gift at a time, watching
of traditions that we just love! Our liturgy for
each person open each gift.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day looks like this:
8. Play with said gifts. 9. Collapse in a heap.
1. Go to church.
10. Repeat the following year.
2. Eat my mom’s lasagna with meatballs and sausage, Caesar salad, and garlic bread. 3. Watch the 1951 version of A Christmas Carol (in our book, it’s the only version worth watching). 4. Finish wrapping the kids’ presents into the wee small hours of the morning. 5. Wake up 3-4 hours later, feeling like we’ve been hit by a bus.
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MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with these traditions in themselves – they have been used by the Lord to aid our celebration of all that he has lavished on us in the gospel. His generosity in giving us Jesus makes whatever gifts we give, no matter how significant, pale in comparison. What we enjoy together as a family is a hint, an
echo of our enjoyment of God’s grace toward us.
its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory
But what happens when your plans are foiled?
of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has
When your Christmas isn’t “perfect”? When your
been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And
traditions are eclipsed by ungrateful children or
not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits
a burned roast, or the angry drunkenness of a
of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as
family member? Maybe you’ve had your Christmas
sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were
hopes dashed by the recent or sudden death of a
saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for
loved one. Or perhaps your dream of Christmas –
what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we await
married with children around the Christmas tree
for it with patience.”
– hasn’t come to pass. You long to experience the lyrics of our favorite songs:
What this means is that this life, this Christian life in the here and now is not a fairy tale. This side of the New World, there is no such thing as “happily ever after.” Along with all
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
the wonderful things we can experience at Christmastime, life
With the kids jingle belling
also involves suffering, longing, futility, bondage, corruption,
And everyone telling you “Be of good cheer”
and groaning. Forget the realism of the gospel and you turn
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
the Christmas season into something it was never meant to
It’s the hap-happiest season of all
be, asking from it things it was never meant to give you – true
With those holiday greetings and gay happy
hope, lasting joy, and real satisfaction. If you set your hopes on
meetings
this being “the most wonderful time of the year,” you will be
When friends come to call
disappointed. Christmas cheer cannot overcome the reality of
It’s the hap- happiest season of all
life in a fallen world.
There’ll be parties for hosting
Absolutely not! But we must enjoy them for what they really
Marshmallows for toasting
are, not what we make them out to be. Christmas is meant
And caroling out in the snow
to remind you of the great gift of Jesus Christ, given to you
There’ll be scary ghost stories
by your heavenly father. The joys of the holiday are signposts
And tales of the glories of
directing our lives to the real celebration we were made for:
Does this mean we shouldn’t enjoy our Christmas traditions?
Christmases long, long ago God rest ye merry, gentlemen, It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Let nothing you dismay,
There’ll be much mistletoeing
For Jesus Christ, our Savior,
And hearts will be glowing
Was born upon this day,
When love ones are near
To save us all from Satan’s power
It’s the most wonderful time of the year
When we were gone astray: O tidings of comfort and joy,
~Edward Pola and George Wyle (1963)
Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.
The sentiment of this song certainly resonates with our experience; otherwise, it would have
~William Sandys (1792-1874)
become a casualty of the Christmas repertoire. But the moment we begin to invest the atmosphere
“God rest ye merry, gentlemen,” means, “May God keep you
of our celebration of Christmas with ultimate
merry.” And what keeps us “gentlemen” (and ladies) merry
meaning, a must-have mentality, or the belief that
cannot ultimately be found in the enjoyment of our Christmas
the Christmas season fails unless we are able to
traditions, but in the reality of what Jesus has done for us in the
say, “It’s the hap-happiest season of all” – this is
gospel. //RBC
the moment that we’ve moved outside the orbit of the Christian faith. In Rom 8:18-25, the Apostle Paul says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from
DECEMBER 2013 \\ MOMENTUM
7
REDEEMER KIDS CORNER
JESUS WAS BORN BY: THE GOSPEL PROJECT
D
uring the time Mary was pregnant with Baby
God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest
Jesus, the Roman emperor, Caesar Augustus,
heaven, and peace on earth to people He
announced
favors!”
that
everyone
needed
to
be
registered for a census. Every person traveled
So the shepherds went straight to Bethlehem
to the town where his family was from. Since
to find Baby Jesus. They found Mary and
Joseph was a descendant of King David, he and Mary left
Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the
Nazareth and traveled to Bethlehem, the city of David.
feeding trough. The shepherds went and told
While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her
others about the baby Jesus. Everyone who
baby. Mary and Joseph looked for a safe place for Mary to have
heard about Jesus was surprised and amazed.
her baby, but every place was full because of all the people who
Mary thought about everything that was
were in town to be counted. So Mary and Joseph found a place
happening and tried to understand it. The
where animals were kept, and that is where Mary had her baby,
shepherds returned to their fields, praising
Jesus. She wrapped him snugly in cloth, and she laid him in a
God because everything had happened just as
feeding trough, where the animals ate their food.
the angel had said.
In the same region, some shepherds were staying out in the fields and watching their sheep to protect them from thieves
Christ Connection: The birth of Jesus was
and predators. All of a sudden, an angel of the Lord stood
good news! Jesus was not an ordinary baby.
before them. A bright light shone around the shepherds, and
He was God’s Son, sent to earth from heaven.
they were terrified!
Jesus came into the world to save people from
But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have very good news for you: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.” Then the angel said, “You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” A king in a feeding trough? That was no place for a king! All of a sudden, a whole army of angels appeared, singing to
8
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
their sins and to be their King.
LUKE 2:10-11 10
And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good
news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
REDEMPTION HOUSE
GIVING OPPORTUNITY BY: JOHN LEONARD (Redemption House Founder & CEO) THE POWER OF WORSHIP Most of us have a friend or family member that struggles
REDEMPTION HOUSE Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes
with alcoholism or drug addiction. They weren’t born that way
to the Father except through me.” At Redemption House we
and they didn’t become addicts overnight. It is an insidious and
will embrace this truth. Beginning with a 20-bed, 90-day
cumulative process that happens over time. Instead of laying
residential discipleship program for men, we will develop a
our problems at the foot of the cross and finding our identity
continuum of heart-focused and gospel-centered services.
in Christ, we turn to our functional gods over and over again
Using an integrated community approach, we will employ a
until they eventually enslave us. This is what Ed Welch calls a
network of volunteers from the greater Christian community to
worship disorder. For most of us this disorder is very subtle,
help carry the message.
but for the chemically dependent it is much more overt. Our
Redemption House will be a vehicle of mercy where
bodies are literally hijacked and we become so dependent on
volunteers can share with desperate and broken people their
chemicals that we cannot function without them.
personal experiences of overcoming sin through the power
Getting out of this mess is not easy. Just as we worship our
of the gospel. Through leading daily worship, teaching the
way into addiction we must worship our way out by reorienting
curriculum, and sharing faith stories, volunteers will grow
the affections of the heart. We are always worshipping. We
spiritually by extending themselves for the benefit of others
worship what we treasure. We are constantly choosing between
and demonstrating their infectious love for Christ.
God and our own selfish desires. These everyday actions may seem inconsequential but over time they accumulate, and for the addict this can mean the difference between life and death.
LEVERAGE YOUR YEAR-END GIVING To start a healthy and well-funded organization we need $1.1 million dollars. This will give us about 18 months of operating
A REDEMPTIVE COMMUNITY Change is a community project. We can’t turn from idols on
capital with no service revenue and will cover development
our own. Not only do we need a Redeemer, we also need the
occupancy.
help and support of others, people who are attractive and have
return of $500,000. We will then expand the scope of our
something that we want. We must look outside of ourselves
services. In order to help us achieve our fundraising goal, a
and become a part of something greater and more powerful
generous donor has committed to support our mission by
than we are. In order to get swept up into the redemptive
offering a 1:1 matching gift of up to half of our total need, paid
process, we must immerse ourselves in a community built on
out in two installments. The first dispersal date of December 30,
the forgiveness and acceptance found in Christ. After all, the
2013 is fast approaching and we hope to leverage this gift with
Christian life is meant to be lived in the open.
the Redeemer family. Please prayerfully consider this important
At 90% occupancy, we will generate an annual
The faith based recovery centers that exist today tend to be
mission in your year-end giving. Redemption House is a 501(c)
behavior oriented and approach addiction as a moral failure.
(3) organization and gifts are fully tax deductible. For more
They often fail to recognize that addictive behavior is rooted
information contact John Leonard at redemptionhousemn@
in the affections of an idolatrous heart. They typically serve
gmail.com or Mark Summers at msummers@threewire.com.
the indigent with service fees supported through grants and donations. Not only are these programs unsustainable without constant fundraising, they are usually not very attractive to middle and upper income families.
10
phase expenses. We plan to cash flow after 12 months at 50%
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
Change is a community project. We can’t turn from idols on our own. Not only do we need a Redeemer, we also need the help and support of others...We must look outside of ourselves and become a part of something greater and more powerful than we are.
BORN TO DIE BY: JOHN F. MACARTHUR, JR.
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MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
TAKEN FROM THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS BY JOHN F. MACARTHUR JR. COPYRIGHT © 1995 BY ZONDERVAN. USE BY PERMISSION OF ZONDERVAN. WWW.ZONDERVAN.COM
O
in that very first Christmas,
came to fulfill the Law. He came to offer His
earth was oblivious to all that
kingdom. He came to show us how to live. He
was happening. But heaven
came to reveal God’s love. He came to bring
wasn’t. The holy angels were
peace. He came to heal the sick. He came to
waiting
minister to the needy.
in
anticipation
to
break forth in praise and worship and adoration
But all those reasons are incidental to His
at the birth of the newborn Child. This Child’s
ultimate purpose. He could have done them
birth meant deliverance for mankind. The
all without being born as a human. He could
angel told Joseph: “It is He who will save His
have simply appeared—like the angel of the
people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus
Lord often did in the Old Testament—and
knew that to do that, He would have to die.
accomplished everything in the above list, without literally becoming a man. But He had
I envision a farewell that I think must have
one more reason for coming: He came to die.
taken place in heaven on the first Christmas
Here’s a side to the Christmas story that isn’t
Eve. I imagine the Son might have said good-
often told: those soft little hands, fashioned by
bye to the Father and the Father to the Son. In
the Holy Spirit in Mary’s womb, were made
fact, I’m sure it happened, because the Son’s
so that nails might be driven through them.
good-bye message is recorded in Hebrews
Those baby feet, pink and unable to walk,
10:5-7: “When He comes into the world, He
would one day walk up a dusty hill to be nailed
says, ‘Sacrifice and offering Thou has not
to a cross.
desired, but a body Thou has prepared for
sparkling eyes and eager mouth was formed
Me; in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for
so that someday men might force a crown of
sin Thou hast taken no pleasure.’ Then I said,
thorns onto it. That tender body, warm and
‘Behold, I have come…to do Thy will, O God.’”
soft, wrapped in swaddling clothes, would one
That passage of Scripture gives us a
That sweet infant’s head with
day be ripped open by a spear.
remarkable look at the heart of the Savior
Jesus was born to die.
before His birth. He knew He was entering the
Don’t think I’m trying to put a damper on
world to be the final and ultimate sacrifice for
your Christmas spirit. Far from it—for Jesus’
sin. His body had been divinely prepared by
death, though devised and carried out by men
God specifically for that purpose. Jesus was
with evil intentions, was in no sense a tragedy.
going to die for the sins of the world, and He
In fact, it represents the greatest victory over
knew it. Moreover, He was doing it willingly.
evil anyone has ever accomplished.
That was the whole point of the incarnation.
are several reasons for that, all summed up in
The important issue of Christmas is not so much that Jesus came, but why He came.
There
Hebrews 2:9-18. We’ll look at selected verses from this passage as we go along.
There was no salvation in his birth. Nor did the sinless way He lived His life have any
HE BECAME A SUBSTITUTE FOR US
redemptive force of its own. His example, as
Jesus’ death was no tragedy, first of all,
flawless as it was, could not rescue men from
because He died as our substitute: “We do
their sins. Even His teaching, the greatest truth
see Him who has been made for a little while
ever revealed to man, could not save us from
lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because
our sins. There was a price to be paid for our
of the suffering of death crowned with glory
sins. Someone had to die. Only Jesus could do
and honor, that by the grace of God He might
it.
taste death for everyone” (v. 9). Jesus came to earth, of course, to reveal
He was the One who created the angels.
God to mankind. He came to teach truth. He
But in His incarnation, our Lord made Himself
lower than them.
This does not mean, of
who has ever been born—except One. Ezekiel
course, that He became less than God or that
wrote, “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel
He gave up any aspect of His deity. “For a
18:4). Paul wrote, “The wages of sin is death”
little while,” however, He stepped down to a
(Romans 6:23).
level that was lower than the angels. In what
and there is no reason for death except sin.
sense was he lower than the angels? “Because
As we have seen, Jesus was conceived and
of the suffering of death crowned with glory
born without a human father—and therefore
and honor” (v. 9). No angel could ever die.
without sin.
Death is reserved for mortals, and Jesus had
never sinned. He could have escaped death
to die.
for Himself, but He chose to die as a substitute
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
He was guilty of nothing.
He
For what reason? “That by the grace of God
for us, bearing our sin. The sinless One took
He might taste death for everyone” (v. 9). He
the sin of the entire world. The One who is
was our substitute. When He was nailed on
life itself died. The perfect One became the
the cross He died for you and He died for me.
punished one. He paid the price of our sin and
He died for everyone.
made our redemption possible.
Notice the phrase “the suffering of death”
A student at The Master’s College was
in verse 9. Think for a moment about how
struggling to pay his fees. A financial crisis
Jesus died. It was not an easy, gentle passing
in his family left him unable to meet his
from the world. It was excruciating agony and
obligations. He had all but resigned himself to
torture of the worst kind, for it was on a cross.
the reality that he would have to leave school.
He suffered in His death. He drank the bitter
On the day before his payment came due, and
cup at Calvary in its fullness—He drained it to
anonymous donor paid the bill in full. When
the last drop. He experienced all the pain, all
the student came in to withdraw from school,
the loneliness, all the torments that have ever
he learned his bill had been paid by someone
been associated with death.
else. He had no further obligation. He was
Yet He did it
voluntarily, so that He might receive what we
14
Sin inevitably brings death,
able to continue his education.
deserve, so that we don’t have to. That’s what
In a sense, that’s what Jesus did for us. We
Scripture means when it says, “Christ died for
incurred a great debt—too great for us to pay.
our sins” (I Corinthians 15:3).
He paid the debt. Thus He freed us from the
The death He tasted was the penalty of our
obligation of God’s justice, which is death for
sin. He received the full force of all that the
sin, and He liberated us to experience God’s
devil could throw at Him. More than that, He
grace and love. It’s as simple as that.
received the full expression of God’s wrath
That’s what we call the grace of God. He
over sin. In a few hours on that cross, Jesus
didn’t come because we asked for or deserved
absorbed the full penalty of sin. If we were to
His intervention, but because He is a God
suffer hell for all eternity, we would never pay
of grace.
the full price. But He gathered up an eternity
absolutely undeserved. Christ chose to die for
of punishment, paid it all, and walked away
us solely on the basis of His sovereign good
from it a risen Savior. That is power! In every
will.
His lovingkindness toward us is
possible dimension, Jesus Christ took all the
Do you realize that no one in the universe
pain and agony of death and tasted every bit
could have taken Jesus’ life if He had not given
of it—for us.
it up willingly? Jesus said, “For this reason the
Death was not God’s plan for mankind in the
Father loves Me, because I lay down My life
beginning; it is part of the curse of sin. God
that I may take it again. No one has taken it
had warned Adam that if he disobeyed and ate
away from Me, but I lay it down on My own
of the forbidden fruit, he would die (Genesis
initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I
2:17).
Adam disobeyed, and introduced sin
have authority to take it up again” (John 10:17-
and death to the human race (Romans 5:12),
18). Jesus voluntarily gave his life; no one took
where it has been passed down to everyone
it from Him. His love was overwhelming. He
looked at sinful man, He saw the inevitability of
all those who obey Him the source [author] of
death and hell, and He paid the price Himself.
eternal salvation.” Again, that verse highlights
Nothing deterred Him from that. Even when
His suffering. The suffering was essential to
He came to earth and the mass of people
salvation.
rejected Him, mocked Him, hated Him, and
God with unpunished sin.
even killed Him, that didn’t stifle His grace. As
price, and His sufferings made Him the perfect
He died, he prayed, “Father, forgive them; for
leader.
they do not know what they are doing” (Luke
the trail wide—so that He could bring “many
23:34).
sons to glory.”
HE PIONEERED OUR SALVATION
HE SANCTIFIED HIS PEOPLE
Jesus could not bring people to So He paid the
His death opened the path—blazed
A second reason Jesus’ death was no
A third great victory was accomplished in
tragedy is that His death was what made it
Jesus’ death: “Both He who sanctifies and
possible for Him to pioneer our salvation.
those who are sanctified are all from one
Verse 10 of Hebrews 2 says, “It was fitting
Father; for which reason He is not ashamed
for Him, for whom are all things, and through
to call them brethren, saying, ‘I will proclaim
whom are all things, in bringing many sons to
Thy name to My brethren, In the midst of the
glory, to perfect the author of their salvation
congregation I will sing Thy praise.’ And again,
through sufferings.” Now at first sight, that
‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again, ‘Behold,
verse may seem a little difficult, but we want
I and the children whom God has given Me’”
to focus mainly on the phrase that refers to
(Hebrews 2:11-13).
Christ as “the author of…salvation.” That will clarify the meaning of the entire verse. The
word
translated
“author”
“pioneer,” “leader,” or “trailblazer.” the idea.
“Sanctify” means “set apart,” or “make holy.” This passage is saying that Jesus Christ is holy,
means
and that He is capable of making us holy.
You get
Perhaps the greatest theological dilemma of
It refers to someone who starts
all time was resolved at the cross. It was the
something for others to follow.
The word
question of how a holy God could communicate
could refer to the founder of a city, or to the
mercy and grace to sinful people.
leader of a pioneer exploration. It cannot refer
we have seen, demands death.
to someone who stands at the rear and issues
lovingkindness and mercy are never-ending.
orders. And it cannot refer to someone who
He loves sinners. If he simply accepted us as
follows a path that has already been laid out.
we are and ignored our sin, His own holiness
So what does this verse mean by calling
Sin, as
Yet God’s
would be tainted. Christ resolved the question
Christ the author of salvation? It means He is
by taking our punishment on Himself.
the pacesetter, the pioneer, the one who leads
brought mercy and justice together at the
the way. He is the first and only initiator of
cross—and satisfied the demands of both.
salvation. There is no way to get to God apart
He
How many of our sins did he pay for? All
from Him. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the
of them.
truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father,
future ones, too? All of them. Thus He can
but through Me” (John 14:6).
righteously deal with us as if we were sinless.
Scripture is
Just the ones in the past, or the
clear; there is only one path to God, and Jesus
He has declared us holy.
is the trailblazer: “There is salvation in no one
are as holy and spotless as sinless creatures
else; for there is no other name under heaven
(Ephesians 1:4; 5:27; Colossians 1:22).
that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Positionally, we
Of course, we are not sinless in practice, but part of Christ’s sanctifying work is the
The same word is used in Hebrews 5:8-
transformation of our desires and actions (2
9: “Although He was a Son, He learned
Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:24; Titus 2:12). He
obedience from the things which He suffered.
is conforming us to His image, sanctifying even
And having been made perfect, He became to
our behavior (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18;
Did you realize that one of the main reasons for the incarnation was so Christ could deliver a death blow to Satan? Ephesians 4:24). He’s making us more and more like Himself.
Yet He sanctifies us.
Positionally, we are
perfectly holy, like Him. And so He calls us brothers. There is no hierarchy among brothers. This verse is saying we are one with Christ. We share the same holiness. We are as acceptable to God as if we were as sinless as Christ. We are part of the same family.
We have the
same Father. We are brothers. Christ calls us brothers without shame. The Christ of God—the holy, sinless One whom angels adored—became lower than the angels to suffer and die to be our substitute, to pioneer the way to heaven, and to sanctify us. He even stoops to call us brothers and sisters, fellow-heirs. And He does it without shame. Can you resist that kind of love? I can’t. HE CONQUERED SATAN Here’s another reason Jesus’ death was no tragedy: “Since…the children share in flesh and
cannot be marred. “For by one offering He
blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the
has perfected for all time those who are
same, that through death He might render
sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14). Once you have
powerless him who had the power of death,
received the imputed holiness of Jesus Christ,
that is, the devil” (Hebrews 2:14).
nothing in this universe can take it away.
Did you realize that one of the main reasons
Christ paid the penalty for sin in full, and your
for the incarnation was so Christ could deliver
sins can never again be brought up against
a death blow to Satan? As we have seen, the
you. “Who will bring a charge against God’s
first prophecy ever given about Jesus predicted
elect? God is the one who justifies; who is
that He would crush the serpent’s head
the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He
(Genesis 3:15). Here, in the New Testament, is
who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is
the proclamation that the ancient prophecy
at the right hand of God, who also intercedes
was fulfilled. Satan’s great power is death.
He is the
the accuser, Satan—can recall our sins to use
paymaster for the wages of sin. If he can keep
them against us.
a person living in sin until death, he’s got that
Don’t miss this remarkable statement: “He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11).
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
disappoint Him. We disobey Him.
The holiness with which He sanctifies us
for us” (Romans 8:33-34). No one—not even
16
legitimately make Him ashamed. We sin. We
person forever. Someone had to conquer death to destroy
Most of us would have to admit that
Satan’s weapon, and that’s exactly what Jesus
we have been ashamed of Jesus Christ more
did. He came out of the grave, exploded out of
times than we would like to admit. Why should
the shackles of death, and announced, “Because
we be? There is nothing about Him that we
I live, you shall live also” (John 14:19). And so we
need to be ashamed of. He is not ashamed
say, “O death, where is your victory? O death,
of us, although lots of things about us might
where is your sting?” (I Corinthians 15:55).
HE BECAME OUR HIGH PRIEST
He came—that He was born to die.
Finally, Christ’s death was a great triumph
He died for you.
He bore your sin.
He
because He became our sympathetic high
purchased your salvation. He guaranteed your
priest: “Therefore, He had to be made like His
sanctification. He destroyed your enemy. And
brethren in all things, that He might become
He became a sympathetic high priest. Even as
a merciful and faithful high priest in things
you read this, He is seated next to the Father
pertaining to God, to make propitiation for
in heaven, ready to make intercession for you
the sins of the people. For since He Himself
(Hebrews 7:25).
was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are
Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
tempted” (Hebrews 2:17-18).
And with fear and trembling stand
That is one of the most remarkable passages
Ponder nothing earthly minded
in all of Scripture. What can it possibly mean?
For with blessing in His hand,
That He learned something in His incarnation
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
He did not know before? No. There has never
Our full homage to demand.
been anything He did not know. It was not
a question of His gaining some knowledge of
King of Kings, yet born of Mary,
experience He needed.
As of old on earth He stood,
But to be a sympathetic high priest, He
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
had to be a man. A high priest is a mediator
In the body and the blood,
between men and God.
He will give to all the faithful
Obviously, a high
priest would have to understand to some
His own self for heavenly food.*
degree the mind of God and also the mind of man. And the perfect high priest would be
*From the fifth-century Liturgy of St. James.
someone who was in fact both God and man.
Adapted by Gerald Moultrie, 1864.
That’s exactly who Jesus Christ is—the perfect mediator. These verses bring to mind the parallel ideas expressed in Hebrews 4:15: “We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” He was made like us in all things—even to the point of experiencing the same temptations. The only difference is that He was without sin. He was hungry.
He was thirsty.
He was
overcome with fatigue. He slept. He grew. He loved. He was astonished. He marveled. He was glad. He grieved. He became angry. He was troubled. He read the Scripture. He prayed all night. He wept. He is one of us in every sense—the perfect sympathizer. And He is God—the perfect high priest. Take another look at the manger this Christmas.
Look beyond the tender scene,
and see what Jesus Himself knew even before
GET INVOLVED, WE NEED HELP! ART DEPARTMENT
CHURCH LIFE
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
JOB TITLE
JOB TITLE
JOB TITLE
COPY WRITERS & EDITORS* 3 PEOPLE NEEDED
USHER 15 PEOPLE NEEDED
DESCRIPTION: Write or edit copy for Redeemer’s website, printed materials, flyers and Momentum. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Source and write copy for various printed and digital needs. 2. Generate headlines and short paragraphs for flyers. 3. Write or edit blog posts for the church website. HOURS PER WEEK: flexible
DESCRIPTION: greeting, handing out bulletins, assisting attendees with seating, collecting offering, serving communion, and handling questions during the worship services. HOURS PER WEEK: 4 Sunday morning or evening services per quarter.
JOB TITLE JOB TITLE
MEDIA INVENTORY MANAGER 1 PERSON OR FAMILY NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Restocking printed materials for the Welcome Center as well as keeping the sanctuary chairs tidy and supplied with Bibles, pens and Lords Table cards. HOURS PER WEEK: +/- 1 (to be done every Wednesday night after Prayer Meeting) *May be a good ministry for a family to do together.
BUILDINGS & GROUNDS JOB TITLE
SIGN CHANGER DESCRIPTION: Change the message on the main sign along Hwy 7 as needed (preferable: someone who doesn’t mind trudging through snow). HOURS PER WEEK: varies JOB TITLE
PAINTERS 5 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Painting the interior of the Ministries Building and/or other projects on an as needed basis. HOURS PER WEEK: varies
18
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
COMMUNION SET-UP 2 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: prepare and fill all communion trays for Sunday morning services and for Communion Service Sunday nights when needed. HOURS PER WEEK: Once every other month JOB TITLE
GREETER 10 PEOPLE NEEDED RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Serve the body through welcoming them as they arrive by opening doors and engaging them in conversations. 2. Accommodate people as they come in by helping them find certain rooms or information. 3. Always be ready to connect with the next person coming in. 4. Assist the Welcome Center team and Ushers by leading people to places within the church they cannot find. 5. Maintain structure and quietness before services in the fellowship hall. 6. Help those who need help before and after services. 7. Be engaging to people as they come in, yet respect those who are there for worship. HOURS PER WEEK: Arrive a half-hour before first service and stay to the beginning of second service.
LEAD TEACHER* 3 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Lead Sunday School teacher will prepare the lesson from the curriculum, stay in touch with shepherds on their team, and pray for the kids in class. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Prepare lesson from the provided curriculum, decide how to teach the lesson, use ideas given or Holy Spirit inspired ideas that work with the lesson. 2. Connect with Shepherds to encourage their participation either by email or phone. 3. Follow guidelines set out in the Sunday School Manual. 4. Attend relevant trainings 2 times per year. HOURS PER WEEK: +/- 3 hours JOB TITLE
SUNDAY SCHOOL SHEPHERD 6 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Assist lead teacher as needed. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Be prepared to help lead teacher with lesson material. 2. Assist in class control. 3. Assist with crafts and lead small groups. 4. Pray for the children and their families. 5. Attends relevant trainings 2 or more times per year. HOURS PER WEEK: varies
JOB TITLE
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHECK-IN/OUT 4 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Responsible for checking in children for Sunday School. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Be prompt to make sure check in sheets and name tags are in place. 2. Cheerfully assist children and parents with check-in process, assuring safety. 3. Receive visitors and direct them to resources and information about the Children’s Ministry. 4. Stay for 15 minutes into service, and 5 minutes
VOLUNTEER, THERE’S A PLACE FOR EVERYONE. before worship ends, assisting shepherds in 4-5’s and 1-3 grade rooms to check children out. HOURS PER WEEK: varies JOB TITLE
NURSERY CHILD CAREGIVER 10 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Provide loving care and prayer to our children during Worship Services RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Interact with children in a loving manner. 2. Pray for children. 3. Find a replacement if unable to complete scheduled Sunday. HOURS PER WEEK: +/- 2 hours
MISSIONS JOB TITLE
MISSIONS REPORTER* DESCRIPTION: Cover the Missions beat at RBC. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Keep their ear to the ground on upcoming Missions-related activities and events. 2. Write articles about those activities and events for the Missions newsletter. HOURS PER WEEK: flexible
MEN’S MINISTRY JOB TITLE
SET-UP & CLEAN-UP VOLUNTEERS
10 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Aid in set-up and cleanup of seating, tables, etc. for Men’s quarterly events. HOURS PER WEEK: +/- 1 hour before and after Men’s quarterly events
Boyer if interested in this postition by email or phone at: info@redeemerbiblechurch. com, 952.935.2425.
YOUTH JOB TITLE
PRAYER TEAM JOB TITLE
SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER MINISTERS* 15 PEOPLE NEEDED
CAMP COORDINATOR DESCRIPTION: Research summer camps that meet geographical and financial criteria. Research transportation to and from camp. HOURS PER WEEK: varies
(*) = MUST BE A MEMBER TO APPLY.
DESCRIPTION: RBC members who have a heart to minister to others by listening and praying with them after the Sunday morning worship services in the front of the sanctuary. HOURS PER WEEK: +/1 hour (with the option of praying during one service, or both). JOB TITLE
STRATEGIC PRAYER TEAM LEADER* DESCRIPTION: Organize the resources needed for the congregation to pray for our leadership and vision. Collecting, organizing and distributing key prayer points and answered prayers from leadership and church ministries. HOURS PER WEEK: 2-5 hours
WORSHIP
WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN MINISTRY AT RBC? CONTACT SARA SEELAND
JOB TITLE
WE HAVE
91
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
SONG TEAM MEMBERS 3 PEOPLE NEEDED DESCRIPTION: Musician (electric guitar player, bass player) or vocalist. RESPONSIBILITIES: Lead worship in singing or playing your instrument with the song team at least one Sunday (2 services) a month. HOURS PER WEEK: 1 Hour Wednesday night rehearsal (8:309:30 pm) and 8:00am Sunday morning run through before playing at 9 am and 11 am services, +/- 5 hours/week (not counting personal practice time) Note: Contact Emily
P | 952.935.2425 E | Sara@redeemerbiblechurch.com
DECEMBER 2013 \\ MOMENTUM 19
DISCIPLESHIP
LIFE ON LIFE STORIES BY: PAM DECKERT
T
he announcement leapt out at
For the past fifteen months, I have enjoyed
me from the bulletin. A women’s
and been blessed by such a relationship. As we
discipleship
was
met for Bible study and prayer, mostly in a local
beginning. It asked for volunteers
Starbucks, we were challenged immensely by
both
be
the lessons in Gospel Transformation. I think our
discipled. I found myself in that “in-between” age,
favorite chapters were on faith and repentance.
or so I thought –too old to be a “young woman”
We laughed; we cried; we poured out our hearts
and not ready and willing to think of myself as
to one another as we each experienced joys and
an “older woman.”
heartaches. I found that by our willingness to be
to
ministry
disciple
and
to
My heart was burdened and Though farther along
vulnerable, to trust and be trusted, to be willing to
on my journey than others as a daughter of the
be helped as much as to help, we became friends,
King, I knew that I still struggled with sin, trying
despite our age difference and experiences in life.
yet there were doubts.
to understand and believe the Gospel every day,
If you are considering your involvement in Lifeon-Life Discipleship, I would encourage you to
wanting to live a cross-centered life. But then I was reminded of Matthew 28:19, 20.
dive in! As wives and mothers, as single women
God’s will is to call, save and bless his people for
and widows, we have a great deal to give to one
of
another. As we pass through our own temptations,
and
trials, and triumphs, we gain depth of character and
glory among all
spiritual maturity. And we have comfort to offer. (2
peoples. This will
Cor. 1:3-4) You are never too old or too young! To
is not intended
quote a line from Gospel Transformation, “genuine
to be found but
faith and repentance move us away from ourselves
to be followed.
into the lives of other people.” //RBC
the
spread
his
grace
Was I willing to take a step of faith and follow him in discipling another?
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE DISCIPLED
He
wasn’t asking me
WOMEN CONTACT
to be a perfect
TAMMY HOYT // REPENTANDTRUST@GMAIL.COM
mentor, but to grow in grace in a discipling
MEN CONTACT
relationship with another daughter of the King.
MARK SUCHTA // MARKSUCHTA@YAHOO.COM
20 MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
GOSPEL LIFE BLOG
OTHER GREAT BLOG POSTS FOUND AT: REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH.COM/RESOURCES/BLOG
SHIFTING MY GAZE
The Real Me: How Two Mirrors Helped Me Grow in Christ // John Sweet 20/20 Blindness // Pastor Warren Watson The In Crowd // Kim Suchta
BY: PASTOR BOOMER PEEL
T
his past weekend we held a conference at Redeemer entitled “Who We Love: The LGBT Life and the Gospel of Grace.” For many, including myself, it was an
exhausting weekend. Throughout the conference, I felt as though I was back in high school preparing for a big football game. I was nervous but excited, uncertain but optimistic. Oftentimes my heart was racing and my eyes were welled up with tears at
community. As a Christian and as a pastor, I would
SEEING THE FATHER’S LOVE
love to say that I have not been on either side. I
BY: PASTOR PAUL BURR
the same time, tears of sadness and tears of joy. This is as divisive a topic as there is, with most either siding with the LGBT community or, on the other end of the spectrum, siding with any agendas, which oppose rights for the LGBT
would love to say I’ve been nothing but fair, nonjudgmental and ultimately biblical. Unfortunately, though, it’s not true. I do affiliate myself with one side, although which side I’m on varies. In many ways, my self-righteousness allows me to be a chameleon, allowing me to color my perspective to feel secure in my point of view. At times, that
I
saw my heavenly Father the other day…well, not really. But I did see such a clear demonstration of the Father’s love in the gospel that it could have been him. I was at
means looking down on professing Christians for
the RBC Men’s Retreat with three of my sons. My
their hypocrisy and lack of gospel grace. While at
oldest son, Alex, has Down syndrome and often
other times, I look down on gays and lesbians, as if
lingers over his dinner for long periods. I left him
they are worse sinners than I am.
to continue to eat so I could play with the song
However, if I look at what Christ has done for me,
team. After the group singing, I wanted Alex to
I can’t help but to stop looking down on others
come into the meeting area for the night’s talks. I
and instead to look inward and upward. Inward: to
cleared his dishes, but he would not budge for me
see my own sin, which caused the death of Jesus
(sometimes he gets “stuck”). But I knew who could
Christ. After all, if I’m awful enough that Jesus had
get him to budge. There is a man I will call Stanley
to die on the cross and bear God’s wrath for me,
(not his real name) who has such love for Alex.
how can I possibly look down on others? Upward:
I asked Stanley to go get Alex and immediately
to see my loving Father, who was willing to adopt
Alex took his arm and came into the room.
an enemy (me) into his family. He did so knowing
That is the gospel, isn’t it? We sit in our
my past, present and future sins, and couldn’t
stubbornness, refusing to budge. The Father comes
possibly love me more than he does right now!
to get us, and by love, draws us to himself and
The gospel of grace evens the playing field. The
brings us into fellowship with other believers. Alex
gospel brings hope to the hopeless. The gospel
had nothing to give to Stanley, but Stanley’s love
really does change everything! //RBC
and grace brought him in. This is the gospel. //RBC
DECEMBER 2013 \\ MOMENTUM
21
Christian education that engages your mind, challenges your heart, and transforms the way you live. Begin your journey now.
Parenting Teens Weekend Seminar
January 10th – 11th Fri: 7:00 – 9:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM -12:00 PM Fellowship Hall, Main Building
Register by January 1
THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
RBC Distinctives Formerly Membership Class
January 11th
Sat: 9:00 AM -12:00 PM Room 102, Ministries Building
Register by January 4
THE SCHOOL OF GOSPEL FORMATION
MISSIONS UPDATE
GOSPEL FUELED SUPPORT BY: ERIK CARLSON
H
ow
change
be a little vague. Sky and Michele have 3 kids,
how we support a missionary?
does
the
gospel
Caleb (14), Jerusha (9), and Rachel (6). They are
There is so much to say here
currently on furlough and just visited RBC where
but I’ll leave it at one important
Sky shared his faith story at communion. Sky is a
point. The gospel tells us of the
native of Cambodia and was sponsored to come
incomprehensible value and beauty of Christ
to the States by World Relief. He is involved in
in his work as the only hope for humanity. The
supporting many ministries and house churches as
importance of sharing this hope and beauty with
well as being involved in leadership development.
all people groups is enormous and urgent. After
Michele teaches English at a university. They met
tasting the importance of this task, now imagine
at Dallas Theological Seminary. Caleb is a typical
being the one who is called to go to a field where
teenager who wears headphones even though
ministry often feels like one step forward and two
they aren’t plugged in to anything, and he is gifted
steps back. Where it scares you to question how
musically. Jerusha and Rachel struggle with the
your calling is affecting your children’s upbringing
local customs and language. There are many ways
and if they are falling behind in their education, or
you can pray for this family. Please ask God to
missing out in their childhood in some way. Where
bless their family, ministry, relationships, support
it is easy to dwell on logistics like support levels,
levels, ministry partners (specifically Simon) and of
visas, or cultural differences like business practices
course that worship through the gospel is the fuel
or offending locals. And where you have terrible
of their work. If you would like to receive updates
moments of feeling forgotten by your closest
from them or are considering supporting them,
friends and family. These are all common areas
please contact Erik Carlson at ErikMCarlson@
of struggle you see with missionaries on furlough.
gmail.com.
As a church, let’s strive to support well, to make praying for them a priority, to remind people in
“If the Christian is truly obedient to the Great
the field they are not forgotten, that their job is
Commission, he will give his life to go down into
important, and to continue on with their work
the mine or to hold the rope for those who go
because of the infinite value and beauty we have
down (William Carey). Either way, the rope will
in Christ.
be burned into his hands” (Heart Cry Missions Society). //RBC
This month we are highlighting Sky and Michele who serve us in Asia. Due to the sensitivity of the region in which they serve, this update will DECEMBER 2013 \\ MOMENTUM 23
NEW MEMBERS
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY If you are interested in becoming a member you should sign up for our next RBC Distinctives Class on January 11th (more info on page 22 & in the Welcome Center). RBC DISTINCTIVES Local churches in a community are like the individual members of the body of Christ – full of wonderful diversity. This means that each church has its own set of distinctives. This course presents an overview of Redeemer’s vision, values, doctrine, mission, plan, and structure along with help for getting involved in the ministries of RBC.
24
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT // TOP TO BOTTOM
PETER & SHARON HEDSTROM DANIEL & DANIELLE LAKES DAWN LARSON DRAKE AND KARI LORENCE JORDAN MCIVER ASHLEE SAMES BEN TOBLER JON AND JILL WILLEMS
MUST SEE RBC!
NOW SHOWING WATCH THIS VIDEO ONLINE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE
VISION: STRATEGIES & TACTICS WWW.REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH.COM/RESOURCES/VIDEOS/
LIKE. FOLLOW. WATCH. LISTEN.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH
WWW.TWITTER.COM/ REDEEMERBIBLEMN
WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/USER/ REDEEMERBIBLEMEDIA
WWW.ITUNES.APPLE.COM/US/ PODCAST/ID593092392?MT=2
NOVEMBER 2013 - YTD
BY THE NUMBERS BY: PASTOR PAUL BURR
A
s you know, the end of the year is a crucial time financially for
GENERAL GIVING FUND
every church. Redeemer is no exception. A strong conclusion to 2013 will enable us to plan more
effectively and confidently for our exciting 2014
OPERATING EXPENSES | $ 166,729 GIVING | $ 121,112 FORECAST | $ 169,427
BASE FORECAST
ministry initiatives – things like expanding Mercy
EXPENSES
to the Cities and planting a church.
GIVING We call our vision, “The Fruit of the Gospel for the Good of the World,” and it is our hope and prayer that the Lord Jesus will use all the resources of RBC – personal and financial – to allow us to move more and more toward our destination. So ask the Lord for wisdom how best to use your resources this year-end that you might more fully
EXPANDING OUR GOSPEL VISION
realize your role in accomplishing our vision. If you have any questions about giving in general or about alternative forms of giving, contact Pastor
EXTRA COMMITMENTS | $ 41,427 AWAITING | $ 238,238 // 10.9% RECEIVED | $ 1,940,762 // 89.1%
10.9 %
Paul Burr at paulburr@redeemerbiblechurch.com. Gifts that qualify for 2013 tax deductions must be received by the office no later than Dec 31, 2013.
26
MOMENTUM // DECEMBER 2013
89.1%
SUN
30
23
16
9
2
MON
THU
FRI
SAT
DATES TO REMEMBER 5
WED 4
WOMEN’S BOOK STUDY 7 PM - 8:30 PM
7
3 GATHERED PRAYER & REDEMPTION | 7 PM MUSIC MAKERS | 7 - 8:30 PM
6
WOMEN’S BOOK STUDY 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
12
14
11
WOMEN’S BOOK STUDY 7 PM - 8:30 PM
13
10
GATHERED PRAYER & REDEMPTION | 7 PM
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WOMEN’S BOOK STUDY 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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28
19
27
4
18
26
3
17
25
2
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY 7 PM - 8:30 PM
24
NO GATHERED PRAYER OR REDEMPTION
CHRISTMAS DAY CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 4:30 & 7 PM
1
NO GATHERED PRAYER OR REDEMPTION
NEW YEAR’S DAY
31
GATHERED PRAYER & REDEMPTION | 7 PM
TUE
December 1 GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM NO REDEMPTION SS @ 9 AM REDEEMER KIDS | SS 9 & 11 AM
8 GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM REDEEMER KIDS | SS 9 & 11 AM NEWCOMERS LUNCH 1:00 - 2:30 PM | Glenn Home THE LORD’S TABLE | 6:00 PM
15 GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM (Including the Lord’s Table) REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM REDEEMER KIDS | SS 9 & 11 AM
22 GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM REDEEMER KIDS | SS 9 & 11 AM MISSIONS LUNCHEON FOR KARISE | 1 - 3 PM
29 GATHERED WORSHIP | 9 & 11 AM REDEMPTION | Youth SS 9 AM NO REDEEMER KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 11 AM
A:: 16205 HIGHWAY 7 | MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA 55345 P:: 952.935.2425 E:: INFO@REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH.COM W:: REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH.COM PHOTO © M.JONES // WWW.MJONESPRODUCTIONS.COM
FEATURED EVENTS Sunday DECEMBER 8TH
Thursday DECEMBER 19TH
FELLOWSHIP DESSERT
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY LUNCHEON FOR KARISE
NEWCOMERS LUNCH
7 PM - 8 PM | Fellowship Hall
7 PM - 8:30 PM | Fellowship
1 - 3 PM | Fellowship Hall
1 - 2:30 PM | Glenn’s Home
Let’s all come together for
Hall // “Stuff, Seal and
The Mission’s team would
If you would like to attend
some Christmas cheer! Join
Stamp” your Christmas
like to invite you to a
the next Newcomer’s Lunch,
us immediately following
cards at our Women’s
mission luncheon for Karise
please RSVP to Laurie
our Communion Service for
Christmas Party. Here is a
Pagano. Karise has been
Summers at lsummers@
everyone’s favorite Christmas
great opportunity to finish
serving in Italy and would
redeemerbiblechurch.com or
dessert. Please bring a
addressing all of your cards
love to tell you more about
952.935.2425.
Christmas dessert to share!
in one night while having,
the opportunities she has
Call 952.935.2425 or e-mail
fun, fellowship, and food!
experienced and what her
info@redeemerbiblechurch.
Please bring a dessert or
plans are for 2014. Lunch
com with questions.
appetizer to share. We will
will be provided. RSVP to
provide beverages. Bonus -
the Church Office at info@
Pastor Bob and his band will
redeemerbiblechurch.com.
provide music throughout the evening! Questions? Contact Rebecca Peel via e-mail at rebecca.peel1044@ gmail.com.
Sunday DECEMBER 22ND
Sunday JANUARY 5TH