Momentum i A Publication of Redeemer Bible Church
Three Benefits of Discipleship Community Groups Kick Off! Ministry Updates
Life Groups: A New Ministry at RBC
Issue 30 // September & October, 2016
Welcome
We’re glad you’re here! We are a church with a mission. Our mission is to enjoy, embody, and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ so that unbelievers are persuaded of the gospel, believers are built up in the gospel, and culture is transformed by the gospel – to the glory of God. Because the gospel is at the heart of RBC, we want all that we say and do as a church to honor and reflect Christ. Part of that includes making sure you are able to consistently and clearly know our vision and direction. That’s where Momentum comes in. On the first Sunday of every other month, everyone will receive a copy and be able to stay connected to the pulse of Redeemer. Inside each issue, you will find a letter from the elders, encouraging articles from our members, as well as updates on things like church finances, new members, and upcoming church activities and programs. The gospel is what keeps Redeemer moving forward. It’s our passion, our motivation, our moving force. It’s our momentum.
In this Issue 12 A VISION FOR WORSHIP Find out what our new volunteer-led approach to worship will look like.
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“Welcome to Redeemer!” from David Wessner, on behalf of the elders.
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8 LIFE GROUPS: A NEW MINISTRY AT RBC The elders share with us a new vision for greater discipleship being cast here at Redeemer.
Discover how the gospel builds us, unites us, and equips us to love each other through discipleship.
HOW I MET JESUS
EYES TO SEE AND EARS TO HEAR “The discipleship of our children is a weighty privilege…and we are assured that work will not be in vain, but produce eternal fruit.”
COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE KICKING OFF! Extend your Redeemer family circle by joining a Community Group this fall!
Jim & Betty Cooper share their stories of how Jesus rescued them and brought them to Himself.
21 GLOBAL PARTNERS HIGHLIGHT
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THREE BENEFITS OF DISCIPLESHIP
A NEW SEASON OF YOUTH Gabe Zepeda gives us an update on Redemption Youth.
LETTER FROM THE ELDERS
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WOMEN'S MINISTRY UPDATE Join with the Women’s Ministry in their desire and prayer to see the Lord work in a mighty way among the women of Redeemer.
GOSPEL LIFE BLOG Blog highlights from Joyce Heinrich and Pam Deckert .
26 AFFINITY GROUPS
Communications Department CONTENT DIRECTION Lorie Schnell Bill Walsh
DESIGN & LAYOUT Sara Briggs
CONTENT MANAGER Lorie Schnell
EDITING Lorie Schnell Brittney Westin
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Letter From the Elders
Dear Redeemer Family, On behalf of the elders and deacons, I want to welcome you to the September/October issue of Momentum. I hope you find all that you read in this issue to be an encouragement. As we head into the fall and re-engage with all of the activities of our lives, it is a great time to re-center ourselves around the life-giving truths of the gospel and the commands of our Lord. This issue of Momentum is focused on discipleship and reflects our renewed commitment to make disciples, followers of Christ, of us all. At Redeemer, we are moving forward together through our refreshed approach to Community Groups and Life Groups. We are hopeful that these groups will create the community we all need to grow and mature as we follow Jesus.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). In these final words of our Lord in the gospel of Matthew, I find great encouragement. Jesus begins this “great commission” with a clear statement of his well-earned authority to send us out to the ends of the earth in His name. As a result of his perfect, sinless life sacrificed on our behalf, “all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me.” He is not a candidate trying to win our vote. He is already sovereign over all things we can see on earth as well as all things in the spiritual realm that we cannot see. GREG DECKERT OSCAR HUERTA JOHN SWEET BILL WALSH WARREN WATSON DAVID WESSNER DAN WESTIN GABE ZEPEDA
It is from this absolute sovereign authority that we can “lean into” centering our lives on the absolute truth of the Kingdom of God. I hope that you can feel the excitement of building our lives together on this most amazing truth. On behalf of the elders and deacons, David Wessner
Three Benefits of Discipleship By Trillia Newbell
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hat happens when you get a group of women in a room to discuss life and the gospel? Talking. Lots of talking. And questions. More questions than you can imagine. Why? Because we need each other, and sometimes life can be confusing and include insurmountable circumstances. During my time in settings like this, I’m reminded of the importance of discipleship. Discipleship can take on many forms. It can be as simple as inviting someone into your kitchen for fellowship to organizing a normally scheduled lunch. However it looks, it involves honesty, seeking advice, opening Scripture, and someone willing to do all of the above. The preacher in Ecclesiastes writes, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). He is writing about the vanity of trying to work alone as a means to outdo another. But labors aren’t the only benefit of working together. Two are also better than one as we live out our faith in Christ. We really need each other, though we often try to go at it alone. We really need reproof and instruction, though we seldom seek it out. This is why discipleship is so important. Here are three simple benefits of discipling relationships: 1. DISCIPLESHIP BUILDS HUMILITY. Our temptation might be to think we know what is best for ourselves. As you’ve heard, and maybe said before, we know ourselves better than anyone. Yet scripture says that we might actually be more confused than we think. The heart is deceitful and so to trust yourself at all times is probably not the best route to take (Jeremiah 17:9). Wise counsel from a friend, pastor, or spouse could be just the thing God uses for our protection. Proverbs says that a wise man will hear and learn, and will acquire wise counsel (Proverbs 1:5). So we can safely assume that an unwise man will not hear from others, will shut them down and will not listen, will lack understanding and will not acquire wise counsel. We
“...people won't know the details of your life unless you are willing to share with them.” need to resist the temptation to be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7). This isn’t so easy! But as we seek to gain understanding, we must first acknowledge that we don’t always know what is best. 2. DISCIPLESHIP UNITES US WITH FELLOW BELIEVERS. The body of Christ isn’t meant to simply exist for us to gather together on Sundays and then move along with our lives the rest of the week. God’s word paints a picture of believers doing life together (Acts 2:44–47). Seeking counsel and discipleship is one way to invite others into your life. Most of the time people won’t know the details of your life unless you are willing to share with them. Being willing to be discipled by another provides an opportunity for prayer and mutual encouragement (Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11). We want to pursue one another because we are members of His body (Ephesians 5:30). 3. DISCIPLESHIP EQUIPS US FOR FAITHFULNESS. Paul tells us in Titus 2:3 that the older women in the church should teach what is good and train the younger women. They are to equip other women in how to walk in step with the truth of the gospel. And this isn’t a suggestion — it is God’s instruction for how we should relate to one another. This is Discipleship 101. It’s yet another proof that we need each other. We can’t obey the commands in Titus 2 without being willing to be discipled (and being available and willing to disciple others!).
TRILLIA NEWBELL is a wife, mom, and writer who loves Jesus. She is the author of United: Captured by God’s Vision for Diversity, and most recently, Fear and Faith: Finding the Peace Your Heart Craves. Used with permission from Desiring God. www.desiringgod.org
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Life Groups:
A New Ministry at RBC By RBC Elders 8
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magine having two close friends in Christ with whom you meet regularly to read the Word of God, share daily struggles, celebrate graces, and pray for each other. Your relationship is not mainly about how well you perform, but about how imperfect people cling to a perfect Christ, growing in the Spirit, and increasingly walking like Jesus walked. As those who are known and loved by God, you are helping each other to fight the fight to believe and apply the gospel to every aspect of life. It’s a relationship where you can share your faith and your doubt, your obedience and your stumbling. You are regularly speaking the truth to each other in love and growing in your love for Christ. And this group of yours, your Life Group, is joined with the wider Redeemer family, together increasingly equipped to help the whole body build itself up in the love and grace of God, embracing the Great Commission. This is our vision for “Life Groups,” a new discipleship ministry which will be launched at RBC in the month of September. Discipleship can take many forms and happen in many ways within
a church community. It happens formally on Sunday mornings when the Word of God is being preached. But discipleship is more than teaching or preaching. It is also relational. It happens informally through casual conversations in the church foyer or over coffee. It can happen in the workplace and in the home. It certainly happens in Community Groups. But we believe a more intentional and relational approach is greatly needed. WHAT IS A LIFE GROUP? • A small group of followers of Christ who meet regularly, seeking to be known and loved by God and by each other, going to God’s word together, bringing the gospel to bear on their daily lives, and praying for each other. WHO MAKES UP A LIFE GROUP? • Three followers of Christ (a triad – men with men, and women with women). • The members are peers, not one person discipling others in the group. • They can be the same age or different ages. • The elders are not assigning groups but are available to offer guidance, if necessary. We want
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each member to take the initiative to connect with other members that they know and trust.
WHERE? • Coffee shops, restaurants, homes, parks…anywhere that’s convenient.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COMMUNITY GROUP AND A LIFE GROUP? • Community Groups are mainly for the purpose of community, discussion,fellowship, relationships, fun, outreach, and multiplication. Life Groups are for digging deeper into how God is at work in your lives, helping each other to grow in grace, applying the gospel to daily life, and pursuing spiritual growth and maturity. • Community Groups will continue to meet as in the past, but only twice monthly.
WHAT IS THE COMMITMENT? • A minimum of six months, but the hope is long-term. • April & October are the windows to switch to a new group. The plan is to hit restart or reset each semester.
HOW OFTEN DO LIFE GROUPS MEET? • Bi-weekly (twice/month) for 90 minutes.
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HOW DO I START A GROUP? • Talk with two other people with whom you feel confident that you will be able to be authentic, and commit to being in a Life Group together. • Designate a point-person who will be responsible for facilitating, organizing, and reporting back to the leadership about their group. • Register your group by visiting www.redeemerbiblechurch.com/ lifegroups.
We want to encourage every RBC member to pursue being in a Life Group and believe this is a great way to be more intentional about our relationships with one another as we grow together in the gospel at Redeemer. For the full description of our Life Group vision and helpful information on how to facilitate your first meeting, pick up a booklet at the Welcome Center or visit www.redeemerbiblechurch.com/ lifegroups. // RBC
Community Groups Are Kicking Off!
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all is around the corner, football season is here, and the kids are heading back to school. All of this means one thing – Community Groups (CGs) are starting up again! Yes, CG meetings and gatherings will begin in earnest again during the week of September 18. Here at Redeemer, we sometimes say that CGs are families of believers focusing on the grace of God in Christ. And God’s grace is a force of gravity – moving mightily in people’s lives with Christ’s transforming power. CGs have always been an important focus of our ministry here at RBC.
By Greg Deckert Even though our groups don’t have their first official get-togethers until the week of September 18, we will all get special encouragement toward discipleship and fellowship starting on Sunday, September 11. That morning, Gabe Zepeda will preach the first sermon in a series of seven under the theme of Being Known and Loved, which will focus our attention on what it means to disciple one another and minister to those who are in our spheres of influence and community. Isn’t that what CGs are all about, after all? Our annual CG fair will also be held on Sunday 9/11. There will be tables in the foyer with signs identifying
each group, and sign-up sheets for those who are not yet in a CG. Make sure you stop by to greet your group leader, or to find out more information about a group that might be of interest to you. For questions about your group or your group leader, or if you are interested in hosting or leading a CG this fall, please contact Greg Deckert at gregdeckert@ redeemerbiblechurch.com. // RBC
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A Vision for Worship
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any folks have been wondering lately what the worship ministry at RBC will look like in September. I've been asked to help shed some light on what we're expecting. In early August, some worship team members and elders met to consider what the worship ministry would look like after Marc Heinrich transitions out of full-time worship leading. Through this meeting, a few key elements began coming into focus. Below are a handful of questions and answers from the meeting. WHO WILL BE LEADING THE MUSIC? The Lord has blessed our church with a number of people who are able to lead worship on a volunteer basis. At the moment, it looks like we will have four men who will lead regularly on Sunday mornings. These men are Brandon Carmack, John Huss, Tim Link, and Josh Buttram. In addition, Gabe Zepeda will also be involved in the worship ministry, but he is seeking the Lord's guidance as to how often. There are also other leaders who could step in to help from time to time. HOW WILL WE ALL STAY ORGANIZED? Wendy Pace has agreed to serve as Worship Music Coordinator and will provide support to all of our worship music activities at Redeemer including scheduling, coordinating, materials production, and planning. Wendy’s musicianship, work experience, and involvement in our worship band will add to her effectiveness in this role.
By Josh Buttram
HOW MUCH CHANGE CAN WE EXPECT? We would like to minimize change as much as possible in the way we do worship at RBC. We really appreciate the direction in which our brother Marc has taken the worship ministry, and we would love to continue worshipping together through music that is rich with the gospel. With at least four different leaders, we will inevitably have a variety of musical styles and interpretations. However, our strong desire is that we would be unified and that we would all be pulling in the same direction. To that end, we are planning to meet together regularly as a team in a forum that is also open to all members of the worship team. We hope to use these meetings to give shape to the direction we’re heading and to continue to answer remaining questions. While there are undoubtedly more questions to answer, hopefully this will help bring you up to speed with our vision going forward. We are so thankful that the Lord has provided musicians and leaders for His church and that our church has such a love for worshipping the Lord through song. Thank you for your patience, support, and prayer as we head into this new chapter of worship ministry at RBC. // RBC
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Eyes to See and Ears to Hear By Betty Dodge
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nly God can open the spiritual eyes and ears of our children. God has made it so. Only God gives eyes to see “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God shining in the face of Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:6). “The Lord alone shall have the glory of that opening hour of love.” 1 Has He given you these special eyes to see and ears to hear? When did He open your heart? When did He give you the faith that comes by hearing and that hearing by the Word of Christ? (Rom. 10:17). When was the moment your blind eyes opened, your deaf ears heard, and your dead soul received the breath of life–eternal life in Jesus Christ? I recently came across a survey of Christians that revealed the majority have answered these questions by saying, “I saw and heard and embraced Jesus as my Savior before I was 18 years old.” 2 Oh, how we pray and long for every child at Redeemer to say this when they are grown! And to encourage our prayers in that way, another interesting statistic is that nearly 60% of adults who currently attend church regularly, also faithfully attended Sunday School or other religious training during the week as children. 3 Really, these statistics should not surprise us when we read the good word God has given us regarding our children: “I will pour my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. This one will say, ‘I am the LORD’s,’ another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write
on his hand, ‘belonging to the LORD.’ Isaiah 44:3-5 “And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live” (Deuteronomy 30:6).
precious Word to the children under our care, from infants to senior high. The discipleship of children is a weighty privilege. Each year in Children’s Discipleship, we choose a verse that we believe God has especially set in our hearts to guide our prayers for the year and encourage our ministry to children. For the 2016-17 year, our verse is 1 Corinthians 15:58:
And again: “Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it’” (Luke 18:15-17). How incredible that our great God who measures the oceans in the hollow of His hands and marks the heavens with a span, is also the tender Shepherd who gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them in His bosom (Isaiah 40:11-12). Oh, how we pray and long for the children at Redeemer to say, “I am the LORD’s,” and worship Him with their whole heart. This becomes reality as God works in and through His people for His glory in the gospel. “For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12). He does the work in and through parents, pastors, worship leaders, nursery caregivers, teachers, small group leaders, and team leaders, all imparting God’s
“...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” We cannot be steadfast in our own power. We cannot be immovable in our own strength. But if we are doing the work of the Lord, that will change everything. We have the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 56-57). We have all that we need to persevere in His good work by His grace–and we are assured that work will not be in vain, but produce eternal fruit. Will you join us in this exciting work? Pray asking God to direct you in how to serve the next generation at Redeemer for the sake of the gospel. Pray 1 Corinthians 15:58 for the Children’s Discipleship team that is already committed to serve this year. Pray that every child will come to know Christ as their Savior now while they are still young, and that they would cling tightly to Him all their days. // RBC 1
Spurgeon’s Expository Encyclopedia Volume 2, Baker Books 1996 2 Barna.org October 11, 2004 “Evangelicalism is Most Effective Among Kids” 3 Barna.org November 16, 2009 “New Research Explores Long-Term Effect of Spiritual Activity among Children and Teens”
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Women's Ministry y Fall Update “
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or the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’ that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body” (1 Cor 12:14-19). If you are in Christ, you are part of a body that has been carefully arranged by God; and if you are a woman, you play a vital role in the health of the church body. We
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are made and meant to function in community! As the Women’s Ministry team prepares for this fall season, we are asking God for Spiritcreated unity in the church body so that Christ is exalted. Our ultimate goal is God’s glory as we serve one another. We are praying that the Lord will work in a mighty way to knit the women of Redeemer together, and that the centerpiece of that work would be the Lord himself, through His indwelling Spirit reviving hearts through careful study of the scriptures. God is calling us to respond to His Word. “Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live" (Isaiah 55:3a). To that end, this fall holds exciting opportunity for the women of Redeemer to engage in Bible study. We are hoping that many of you will gather for Tuesday morning or evening study in Ephesians. We will utilize Kay Arthur’s inductive Bible study material, Precept Upon Precept, for both the morning and
evening classes. Childcare will be provided for the Tuesday morning class! Would you pray, along with us, that the Lord will help us renew our commitment to each other as we individually and collectively heal from the upheaval of past months? Personally, would you ask the Lord to soften your heart toward the women in this body and that strong, authentic, committed friendships would be restored and new relationships born? As we gather around God’s perfect word together, His purposes will be accomplished. He will use scripture and your time in the word, and with other women, to affirm your identity in Him and equip you to go and live out the gospel in your life's context. // RBC YOUR WOMEN'S MINISTRY TEAM Jen Carter Debbie Hansen Wendy Pace Patti Wessner
Precepts Schedule
Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13
Intro Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6
NO CLASS
Lesson 7
NO CLASS
Lesson 8 Lesson 9 Lesson 10
Cost: $25 for the workbook, $20 for abridged version. Scholarships available. Sign up at the Women's Ministry table in the Fellowship Hall by September 18th.
R Brunch Women's Fall
Saturday, november 5th 9:00 to 11:30 am
Fellowship Hall
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A New Season of Youth A NEW CALLING & TRANSITION Four years ago, the Lord led my family and me from the East Coast to Minnesota to serve as the youth director for Redeemer. It has been such a joy and honor to serve the youth and their parents in this way for the sake of Christ! I have learned and gained so much in this ministry. One of the ways I have grown is in my ministry calling. For the longest time, a burden for worship ministry has been on my heart. And, over the last couple of years, God has solidified a calling to pastoral worship ministry through the encouragement and affirmation of the Holy Spirit, my wife, church leaders, and many within the body of Christ. Just this past March, God opened the door for me to pursue pastoral worship ministry with an acceptance letter from Bethlehem Seminary in Minneapolis. After much prayer and seeking counsel, we made a step of faith. Now, after the second week of classes, I am officially a student at Bethlehem Seminary in the Worship
Baptist for the first two years of school and by years three and four they may transition out if they are called elsewhere. Bethlehem graciously worked with us and, Lord willing, we are staying at Redeemer for the next two years. Although we believe the Lord is calling us into another ministry, we don’t believe He has released us yet from this ministry and from this assembly. So, in this time of transition, here’s what I want to focus on for the next one to two years:
Concentration program. The Lord is so gracious. Change is good, but often change isn’t easy. As a result of being in seminary with its heavy and rigorous work load, I have to move to parttime as a youth director at Redeemer. And, because the Lord is calling me to pastoral worship ministry, this is also a time of transition for me. Because Bethlehem Seminary is a churchbased seminary, their students are required to make a full transition to become members of Bethlehem
to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). And, like any ministry, a youth ministry will thrive when the gospel is taught and embodied in real life within the context of genuine relationships. God designed the family for this purpose. As parents we are called to disciple our kids and teach them the way of salvation (see 2 Timothy 3:14-15). But, the mission isn’t limited to our respective families. The mission is bigger than this. Students need to be reached for the gospel through relationships from their peers, singles,
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YOUTH VISION The heart of youth ministry is discipleship. So, youth ministry is about connecting students to Jesus through teaching and relationships. These two elements – sharing the gospel and sharing your life are crucial for discipleship. These two elements are what Paul’s ministry was about: “So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear
married couples, other parents, and older people from within the local church. That’s why youth ministry needs the Church. But, the Church needs the youth ministry too. Because Christ broke down every wall (see Ephesians 2:14), age doesn’t separate us. We are one family. We all need each other and we can all learn and grow in Christ together as a family. This brings me to my next focus. RECRUITING The youth ministry needs you. So, this year is going to be a year of recruiting. Whether you’re single, married, a parent, or older, we are looking for people who LOVE Jesus Christ, are passionate about our youth, and who are committed to service for Christ. We primarily meet on Wednesday nights from 6:458pm and on Sundays @ 9am. On Wednesdays, we have a time for a game, a time of worship, and end with a time of teaching or sharing a testimony. This night is geared for reaching students who already have believed the gospel as well as friends or family of students who haven’t believed in the gospel yet. On Sunday, we open up with a time of fellowship, coffee, and breakfast. Families have graciously provided breakfast in the past and this is something students (and youth workers!) look forward to. Then we move into a time of singing and a lesson from God’s Word that is interactive. Then we close with a time for small groups to digest the lesson and grow in our relationships. The morning is geared for both reaching
Redemption Youth By Gabe Zepeda and equipping students with the gospel so they can be a light for Christ in this world. If God lays it on your heart, would you prayerfully consider how God might use you to serve in the youth ministry this school year? If you are interested, please let me know! PRAYER Lastly, whether you feel God leading you to serve in youth ministry or not, would you pray for us? The youth of today are the next generation of Christ-followers who will advance the kingdom of God for the future. Just typing this gives me chills. As Christfollowers, we have a beautiful legacy to pass on to them. The role you play in the life of a student, whether big or small, is paramount. It all begins with prayer. Please pray for God to continue blessing this ministry. Please pray God will raise up passionate and mature youth workers who love Jesus and students. Please pray God will raise up able teachers who can proclaim and embody the gospel in word and deed. Please pray for the parents of our youth to be given the grace, strength, and wisdom to shepherd, love, and disciple their children. And please pray for our students, that they might be a generation that seeks the face of the God of Jacob (see Psalm 24:6), believes the gospel with their whole heart (see Romans 10:9), and shines a light for Christ in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation (see Philippians 2:15). Thank you so much. // RBC
Changes in
SUNDAY SCHOOL We are excited to announce we will now have one Sunday School hour: 9:00am Some advantages to having one Sunday School hour: • builds unity among the children within their age group • cultivates their friendships • fosters accountability among friends for what is being taught • better use of volunteer staff • parents and children can be together in the worship service after Sunday School if they choose Nursery and Preschool class will continue for both Sunday School hour and Gathered Worship. We encourage parents to bring their children to Sunday School and then be together with their children in the worship service. If we are fully staffed, Sunday School will start on September 11th.
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Childrens
DISCIPLESHIP
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How I Met Jesus
Jim and Betty Cooper JIM COOPER I had gone to church from early childhood and lived in a moral family. I enjoyed church; however, either the gospel wasn’t made clear or I wasn’t listening. I knew that God loved me and I thought I was a good person. In senior high school, I became interested in knowing more about salvation. I started listening closer to the pastor’s sermons to see if I could learn about what it was to be a Christian. One day when I was alone at the church, a man I knew came in and started asking me pointed questions about my faith. He asked me if I was interested in praying to accept Jesus Christ as my Savior. I did pray but wasn’t sure about what that meant. In college, we were required to attend chapel services six days a week. However, I wasn’t growing spiritually. It wasn’t until I was married and started listening to Bible study tapes that this began to happen. When I began to be taught about what sin is and the importance of repentance, then I began to seriously understand my salvation is by grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. Since our church has been formed in June of 1968, I have been blessed with regular sound Bible teaching that guides my understanding of the saving grace of the sovereign, gracious, all-powerful, and loving God. I pray the Lord will sustain my continued focus on the God of the
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Bible and that I would trust Him daily and repent and confess my sins (1 John 1:9). To decide to trust in Christ is the most important decision anyone can make. A favorite verse is Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” BETTY COOPER I grew up in a moral home but not a Christ-centered family. Though I wondered sometimes who made the trees and sky, mostly I was oblivious to God. I knew I didn’t always obey my parents or do what I was supposed to do, but I didn’t know that was sin. I didn’t know my selfishness was rebellion against a holy God, my Creator. At fourteen, my friend invited me to hear her uncle play and sing at a Youth for Christ rally. It was there that God opened my ears and heart to the gospel message. I was convicted that I was a sinner destined for eternal damnation. They assured me that Jesus Christ’s life and work on the cross offered me salvation and new life. When I confessed my sinfulness and believed in Jesus Christ, they told me I had been born again. No one nurtured or discipled me after being baptized. I spent the next several years asking ministers questions about assurance and salvation, but none of them gave me answers that
were satisfying because they weren’t biblical. Nevertheless, my life quest to know God had begun. It wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I began to read the Bible. I was married with two small children and emotionally very unstable. I was afraid I would snap mentally and hurt my beloved children. Starting to read the Gospel of Matthew I read, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you” (Mt. 6:33). I believed it. I told the Lord, I didn’t even know how to seek Him first, but that was my plan. Soon God brought me teachers to help me understand God’s scriptural answers to my burning questions. God’s word, His salvation, and His people have become very precious to me. I long for myself and others to know, trust, and love God more and more as a way of life. I think of Proverbs 3:5-6 as a summary of the Christian life: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” // RBC
Global Partners Highlight By Ed Boehm
You Did What?
A
s a consultant for Bible translation, I have one of the most interesting jobs in the world. Case in point: my 3-week trip to Nepal in May. I checked four chapters of Luke for each of five different teams (over 1000 verses total). Each team had taken the portions of Luke they had translated into their mother tongue and translated it back into the Nepali language, so that I could read it and have a window into what they had done, and make comments or ask questions. The upshot is that the teams are doing a great job for beginners (they just started in the Fall of 2015) but, inevitably, some places need to be revised/corrected to make the translation more accurate, natural, and clear. The area of accuracy is the easiest to catch and describe, and the slipups ranged from small omissions to more serious misunderstandings: • “It seems like we're missing that the boy *suddenly* screamed when the demon attacked him.” (Luke 9:39) • “It's not John the Baptist who gets the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins, but rather John the Baptist is the one who shares that knowledge with God's people” (Luke 1:77) • “When it says ‘how much more will he give the Holy Spirit to those who ask’ it doesn't mean here that he
will give a greater amount of the Holy Spirit, but rather that God the Father is much more ready/certain to give the Holy Spirit than human fathers are to give good gifts to their children.” (Luke 11:13)
are sharp and capable, but inevitably gaps in understanding pop up here and there. The process of translating and getting their translating checked increases their understanding of the Bible incredibly. And the process of
But my favorite blooper was the following: From Luke 9:16 (The Feeding of the Five Thousand) • Expected translation: Then he broke them (the loaves and fish...into pieces) and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. • Actual translation: Then He, having broke the bread and fish into small, small pieces, had the disciples distribute them (to the people). • Consultant question: I see you put *small* in front of 'pieces'. What size are we talking about? • Translation team's answer: Very small pieces, because we thought if Jesus had to feed five thousand people and only had five loaves, he would have to break them into really small pieces to have enough to give to that many people."
checking their translations from my perspective is a wonderful avenue for informal discipleship! I am planning to go on another 3-4 week trip in October, and preparations are already underway for me to do another round of checking for these same five teams. I will soon begin checking their Nepali ‘back translations’ of Luke 12-16 and prepare comments and questions on anything that I suspect doesn’t meet the standard, especially for accuracy. I also ask lots of questions about clarity and naturalness. I also plan to check in with the DT team while in Nepal. Since they are in the final stages of completing the New Testament, we need a solid plan in place for making final revisions before typesetting. Please pray for effective preparation and a fruitful trip! // RBC
Indeed, and that would have been miraculous, too, especially when they still picked up 12 baskets full afterwards! Please note that the above examples don't reflect on the intelligence of the translators involved. All of them
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Especially Now! By Joyce Heinrich
P
salm 137:1-4 “By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” A man stood behind me in the checkout line at Home Depot. He was big, burly, and just a little bald with tough stubble on his cheeks and chin. But what was most compelling about him was the cross tied around his neck…it was dark wood on steel. You couldn’t miss it. I paid for my paint and then moved towards the door, stopping long enough to fish out my sunglasses and keys. He caught up with me and as he passed I asked him, “Does your cross mean that you are a believer in Jesus Christ?” He smiled a little and said
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quietly, “Yes, it does.” Then I looked at his face – Jesus was there! There was a soft love in his eyes, and a twinkle, too! I saw him – not as a musclebound biker type – but as a brother, a man of God witnessing for His Lord! I said to him, “Thanks for wearing His cross…it makes a bold statement, and that is important.” His response pierced my heart, “Yes. Especially now!” Now? Especially now? Oh, yes, brother! Especially now! Now, while all creation is groaning and travailing in the chaos and anarchy that plague us. Especially now... • as our nation kills 900 not-yet born children a day; • as our police are attacked and killed and hatred of blacks rears its venomous head; • as our nation forbids prayer in schools and bans the teaching of overtly Christian precepts; • as the frequency of mass killings
increases; and • as our nation continues to demand of us all that we protect perversion as normal and right in spite of the Lord God’s adamant forbiddance of any such behavior! Over the span of my life, I have seen a swift and horrifying decline of American morals and values, as well as the disappearance of American respect and knowledge of Almighty God. When I was a girl, this nation was under the guidance and influence of the JudeoChristian ethic. The newspapers and newscasters were – believe it or not – basically conservative in their opinions. People closed their businesses on Sundays and went to church. It was sin to disobey any of the 10 commandments. But radical changes have created a massive vacuum in our culture where the God who made heaven and earth should be known and
Highlights from the Gospel Life Blog
exalted! Few are searching for a Savior for their sin. And most are ignorant of what the Bible teaches; the result being that there is not a care for the God who speaks, or for His wisdom, or for His authority. Every man has made himself to be his own god, and is doing what he thinks should be allowed. We are living in days such as Noah faced when evil had become norm and good was spoken of as evil. How then can we make an impact against such a bulwark of sin and ignorance? How do we “sing the Lord’s song” in a foreign culture? The obvious answer is that God alone can turn this nation around. God alone can send repentance and revival. But what about us? We dare not just shake our heads and heave heavy sighs. What should we be doing that God might use us to make a difference in our times, especially now? One of our Lord’s parables tells the story of a king who is leaving for a long period of time, instructing his people to “occupy till I come” (Luke 19:3 KJV). They were to do His work and carry out His instructions until He came back to them. As those subjects were bound by their king’s command, so we are instructed by Christ. We are to “occupy till He comes.” Paul gives us a crash course in how to “occupy” in these Godless times. You will find it in Colossians, chapter 3: • “Seek the things that are above, where Christ is!” (v. 1b) • “Set your minds on things that are above – not on things that are on earth! (v. 2)
• “Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness!” (v. 5) • “Put these all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander and obscene talk from your mouth! Do not lie to one another.” (v. 8-9a) • “Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience… forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you!” (v. 12, 13b) • “Put on love which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (v. 14) As blood-bought believers, we joyfully anticipate the second coming of our Lord Jesus! He will usher in an era over which He will reign supreme – and because we are hidden in Christ, we will reign with Him (Col. 3:3-4). His government will be one of peace, of order, of integrity, and of justice. And all will be covered in love. It is thrilling to anticipate such perfection! But until that day, dear brothers and sisters of Redeemer, we need to “occupy” until He comes. We need to sing the Lord’s song in this foreign land!
whole counsel of God’s Word. #5. We must pray without ceasing that the Lord will have mercy on us and bring repentance to our nation! Oh, Christian brother from Home Depot, you know the times you live in. Thank you for your unspoken reminder in wearing the cross of Christ that our Sovereign God must be lifted up before this nation and the world, especially now! Our prayers for our nation must be offered in fervency and frequency – especially now! The cross needs to shine; the gospel must be heard – especially now! Especially now! // RBC
So especially now… #1. We must seek after our God with fervor and press on to know Him better and better. #2. We must set our faces like flint to follow all Biblical instruction. #3. We must preach, teach, and share the gospel, and give bold personal witness to others. #4. We must teach our children the gospel of Jesus Christ and the
MOMENTUM DIGITAL EDITION READ IT...WHENEVER. ISSUU.COM/REDEEMERBIBLECHURCH
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Highlights from the Gospel Life Blog
By Pam Deckert
I
am not one to make New Year’s resolutions, but this year I did set a goal to memorize the Fighter Verses each week. I was staying on track until mid-February when I struggled with Psalm 62:5-8. They seemed to me just a jumble of words and I couldn’t seem to commit them to memory. One morning out of frustration, I asked, “Why can’t I remember these words?” Are they only words to me or are they food for my soul? It was then that I slowed down and really thought about the words I was seeking to memorize.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress;
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Living and Active I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. (Psalm 62:5-8)
a prayer of praise to my God. “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.” They are not merely words to commit to memory, but living and active as the writer of Hebrews says, sharper than any two-edged sword. Living words that strengthen my faith, guard my
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,” Silence. I had been so busy rushing through this exercise, wanting to get it done and move on to the next week. “…for my hope is from him.” Not from my success, not from my husband or children, our elders, past or present, not from my job. As I continued to really think on what I was memorizing, I let the words sink down deep, turning them around in
mind, and strengthen me for the battle we are in. Most importantly though, God’s Word is his letter to me; and Jesus speaks to me through his word, a gift of mercy from him to me as I was reminded of in last week’s verses from I Peter 1:3-5, “according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope.” My hope is from him. // RBC
please bring
Affinity Groups DORCAS DAMES The Dorcas Dames are named after a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) who was a well-known and well-loved seamstress in the Bible (read Acts 9:36-42 for her story). If you enjoy sewing, we would love to have you join us in making baby quilts that will be donated. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a fanatic quilter, just plan on having lots of fun!
QUILTING GROUP DATES: Friday, September 16 & October 21 TIME: 9am - 3pm LOCATION: Ministries Building WHAT TO BRING: Your lunch and sewing machine. For more information, contact Jean Bradford at retrojean@q.com.
HILLTOPPERS HillToppers is a great way for Redeemer’s “older” crowd to get connected and have fun (emphasis on fun!). If you are over the proverbial “hill” (50s, 60s, 70s & up), please join us for our next event! *Note: This month, we would be delighted to have ANYONE from RBC join us, including children ages 5 and up!
FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN FOOD-PACKING EVENT DATE: Saturday, October 29 TIME: 8:45-11:00am LOCATION: Feed My Starving Children in Chanhassen Please RSVP to Pat York by Monday, October 24, so we can report an accurate number of volunteers to FMSC. Email: yorkp711@yahoo.com Cell: 612.508.4408, Home: 952.473.5196 *FMSC appreciates contributions to cover the cost of the food we pack, so please come prepared if you wish to contribute.
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FALL DAY!
CLEAN UP
SAT, OCT. 22ND 9 am - Noon FREE coffee & MAPLE BACON
LOCATION: Church and Ministry Building grounds
DONUTS!
BRING RAKES AND LEAF BLOWERS
KNOWN AND LOVED
KNOWN LOV E D AND
SERMON SERIES
Beginning SEPTEMBER 11th
The most precious thing about being a believer is the truth that we are known and loved by our holy and gracious Heavenly Father. That is only possible through the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ, who made a way for us to be adopted into the family of God. And because we are known and loved by Him, we are called and empowered to know and love each other in community. It starts with being an authentic disciple of Jesus and growing in grace. Then we are called to mutually disciple one another, use our gifts to serve others in the church, and move out in mission. What a magnificent calling and privilege to be a people of his own possession, called out of darkness and into His marvelous light!
SERMON SERIES SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 11 Being Known and Loved (Zephaniah 3:17) SEPTEMBER 18 Being a Disciple of Jesus (Mark 8:34-35) SEPTEMBER 25 Making Disciples (Matt 28:18-20) OCTOBER 2 Being the Church (Acts 2:42-47) OCTOBER 9 Living in Community (Ephesians 4:1-6) OCTOBER 16 Being the Equipped (Ephesians 4:7-16) OCTOBER 23 Serving in His Strength (John 13:1-20) OCTOBER 30 Outreach: Thinking & Acting Missionally (Mark 2:1-12)
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September
October
SUNDAY // 4th
TUESDAY // 20th
SUNDAY // 2nd
SATURDAY // 22nd
10a | Gathered Worship
9:30a | Women's B Study 6:45p | Women's B Study
9a | Sunday School K-12th 10:30a | Gathered Worship
9a | Fall Clean-Up Day
MONDAY // 5th Labor Day
WEDNESDAY // 21st
WEDNESDAY // 7th
7-8p | Gathered Prayer 6:45p | Redemption Youth
7-8p | Gathered Prayer
SUNDAY // 11th 9a | Sunday School K-12th 10:30a | Gathered Worship
SUNDAY // 25th 9a | Sunday School K-12th 10:30a | Gathered Worship
5p | Family Gathering
TUESDAY // 27th
WEDNESDAY // 14th
9:30a | Women's B Study 6:45p | Women's B Study
7-8p | Gathered Prayer 6:45p | Redemption Youth
FRIDAY // 16th 9a-3p | Dorcas Dames
SUNDAY // 18th 9a | Sunday School K-12th 10:30a | Gathered Worship*LT
WEDNESDAY // 28th 7-8p | Gathered Prayer 6:45p | Redemption Youth
*LT (includes the Lord's Table)
6p | State of the Church
SUNDAY // 23rd
TUESDAY // 4th
9a | Sunday School K-12th 10:30a | Gathered Worship
9:30a | Women's B Study 6:45p | Women's B Study
TUESDAY // 25th
WEDNESDAY // 5th
9:30a | Women's B Study 6:45p | Women's B Study
7-8p | Gathered Prayer 6:45p | Redemption Youth
SUNDAY // 9th 9a | Sunday School K-12th 10:30a | Gathered Worship
TUESDAY // 11th 9:30a | Women's B Study 6:45p | Women's B Study
WEDNESDAY // 12th 7-8p | Gathered Prayer 6:45p | Redemption Youth
SUNDAY // 16th 9a | Sunday School K-12th
WEDNESDAY // 26th 7-8p | Gathered Prayer 6:45p | Redemption Youth
FRIDAY // 28th SATURDAY // 29th Men's Retreat
SATURDAY // 29th 8:45a | Hilltoppers at Feed My Starving Children
SUNDAY // 30th 9a | Sunday School K-12th 10:30a | Gathered Worship
10:30a | Gathered Worship*LT
TUESDAY // 18th 9:30a | Women's B Study 6:45p | Women's B Study
WEDNESDAY // 19th 7-8p | Gathered Prayer 6:45p | Redemption Youth
FRIDAY // 21st
TUESDAY // NOV 1st 9:30a | Women's B Study 6:45p | Women's B Study
WEDNESDAY // NOV 2nd 7-8p | Gathered Prayer
SATURDAY // NOV 5th 9a | Women's Fall Brunch
9a-3p | Dorcas Dames
Momentum
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