Reflect (February 25, 2018)

Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.

*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering

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HOW PEOPLE CHANGE

CALL TO WORSHIP

We are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.

We are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. In Him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.

In him we also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Based on Ephesians 2:19-22

Song: All Creatures of our God and King

Song: Rejoice

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

Even though we have tasted and seen that God is good, so often we become satisfied with what the world has to offer instead. We reject God's rule and make ourselves and our plans sovereign. Even though we know he is good, we fail to trust him with our lives. God tells us in his word that if we live only to satisfy ourselves and our desires we reap destruction, yet if we live for the Spirit, we reap eternal life. Take a moment to reflect on that now, to reflect on the ways you might choose your own rule over God's good and sovereign plans. The truth of the Gospel is that in choosing to follow Jesus, our sin is forgiven. Even though we turn from him, God has moved towards us in Grace. He is committed to growing us to be like Jesus, through his Spirit working in our hearts. Let's read these words of assurance together now:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set us free from the law of sin and death.

(Romans 8:1-2)

Song: Come Ye Sinners Poor and Needy

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Tom Thrower preached the last sermon in our series on the Fruit of Spirit, looking at how people change. Click here to listen to that sermon. 

COMMUNION

Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.

POST COMMUNION READING

Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.

We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.

With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.

We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.

Song: The Power of the Cross

Song: The Lion and the Lamb

COMMITMENT READING

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

(2 Corinthians 3:17-18)

Song: Christ is Risen

BENEDICTION

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20)

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 

Amen.

Prepare (February 25, 2018)

This blog gives you a glimpse into the upcoming Sunday Gathering. It's an opportunity to read through the passage we'll be studying together, pray through some of the liturgy we'll be using, and listen to a selection of the songs we’ll be singing

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HOW PEOPLE CHANGE

SERMON

This Sunday Tom Thrower will be preaching the last sermon in our Fruit of the Spirit series looking at how spiritual growth as a Christian is possible. 

LITURGY

BENEDICTION 

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

(Ephesians 3:20)

MUSIC

• The Lion and the Lamb (Bethel Music):  This is a new song to us at Redeemer and it focuses on Jesus as the Lamb who was slain for our sin. But also as the Lion of Judah, language that Revelation uses to describe Jesus as the conqueror and one who fights the enemy on our behalf and descended from the tribe of Judah. It looks forward to a day where every knee will bow before our great Saviour, Jesus! 

• Christ is Risen (Matt Maher): A celebration of Jesus' resurrection and the hope we have of a secure future because of it, where death loses its sting and is swallowed up in victory. 

Reflect (February 18, 2018)

Welcome to the Sunday Gathering recap (songs, hymns, liturgy and sermon). This blog gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you heard in the gathering or catch up if you weren’t able to be with us.

*The indented sections are responses read aloud by the congregation during the Gathering

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FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS & SELF CONTROL

CALL TO WORSHIP

One of the beautiful truths about God is that he is changeless. That he remains faithful, even when we're faithless. That we can always come to him as the one who can be trusted & depended upon. So, wherever your heart is today, fragile, shaking, unstable, allow God to draw you with the truth of who he is.

I will sing of the Lord’s great love for ever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm for ever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?

You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

(Psalm 89:1-8)

Song: How Great Thou Art 

Song: Come Praise and Glorify

CONFESSION AND ASSURANCE

We've already heard that God is faithful to us and his love stands firm forever. Even though God is faithful to us, so often we fail to be faithful to him and to others. Instead of being loyal, we are unreliable and can't be depended upon by others. Time and time again, we seek the approval of others over pleasing God. When we turn from God, the Bible calls this sin. He tells us in his word that:

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But, if we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

(based on 1 John 1:8-9)

In humility and faith then let us confess our sin to God now, knowing that, because of Jesus our sins are forgiven. Take a moment to do that now, in the quiet of your own heart. The truth of the Gospel is that God has pursued us, even though we've turned from Him. His faithfulness stands firm, when ours feels weak. Let's sing out, with assurance and thanksgiving that God has rescued us from the sin that once separated us from him.

Song: Grace Alone

PASSING OF THE PEACE

PREACHING OF THE WORD

Gary Aston preached to us this week from Galatians 5:16-26 looking at the last three characteristics the Spirit produces: faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Click here to listen to that sermon. 

COMMUNION

Every week we want to respond to what God has done for us in Jesus. One of the great ways he has provided for us to remember the truth of the gospel is giving us communion. As we take the bread and wine we remember what Jesus has done for us.

POST COMMUNION READING

Jesus’ death brings us life and this meal reminds us that we are fed by Jesus and forgiven because of Jesus.

We rejoice that You have died, rose again, and are now with the Father advocating for us. Amen.

With our money, time, and talent we give generously, knowing that through Your Son, Jesus, You have generously given to us.

We rejoice that You have given everything and we joyfully give everything back to Your care. Amen.

Song: Shine into our Night

Song: Oceans (Where feet may fail)

COMMITMENT READING

In Jesus, we see the perfect example of what a life lived in step with Spirit looks like. Hear these words about our wonderful Saviour now:

Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(Philippians 2:6-11)

God has promised us, that if we choose to follow him, he will grow us to become more and more like Jesus, by his Spirit. We can't do any of this apart from him. Let's sing out in celebration of that truth together now!

Song: Jesus

BENEDICTION

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thess 5:23)

Peace be with you.

And also with you. 

Amen.

Prepare (February 18, 2018)

This blog gives you a glimpse into the upcoming Sunday Gathering. It's an opportunity to read through the passage we'll be studying together, pray through some of the liturgy we'll be using, and listen to a selection of the songs we’ll be singing

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FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS & SELF CONTROL

SERMON

This Sunday Gary Aston will be preaching to us from Galatians 5:22-23, looking at the last three characteristics the Spirit grows in the life of a Christian: faithfulness, gentleness and self control. 

CALL TO WORSHIP 

I will sing of the Lord’s great love for ever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm for ever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

The heavens praise your wonders, Lord, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?

You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

(Psalm 89:1-8)

MUSIC

• Grace Alone (Dustin Kensrue): A reminder that even though we were once far from God, he has made us is children by his grace.  

• Oceans (Hillsong): A new song to us at Redeemer that reminds us of God's leading and the Spirit's guiding, even when we are fearful and life feels uncertain.