Update No. 444
Good Morning, Redeemer Family
Sermon Recordings
This week, Sean continued our journey through Hebrews 12, introducing the "tale of two mountains", Mount Sinai and Mount Zion, as a framework for navigating life in a fallen world. He focused heavily on the call to stay on the straight path by actively pursuing both peace and holiness. Sean reminded us that our internal conflicts and lack of peace stem from the sinful passions waging war within our own hearts. True peace, therefore, isn't simply the absence of outward conflict; it is the absence of sin, which ultimately separates us from friendship with God and each other.
Sean also gave a sharp warning about the danger of allowing a "root of bitterness" to spring up and defile many. Sean defined this bitterness as a poison that grows when suffering or sin is left unattended; a constant internal rehearsal of how we've been wronged until the wound becomes our identity. This bitterness breeds cynicism, makes us withdraw under the guise of being faithful, and spreads its poison to those around us. Looking at the cautionary example of Esau, Sean highlighted the danger of desperately wanting the benefits of God's blessing without actually wanting to address our sin or repair the relationship through repentance. We cannot consider ourselves exempt, assuming we will find peace while stubbornly following our own hearts.
Unfortunately, there was a technical issue on Sunday, so this sermon wasn’t recorded. You can still listen to any previous sermons here.
ReMemer Church
Rosters!
The Scripture Reading Roster, Notices Roster, and Intercessory Prayer Roster have now all been updated for October-December. Please take a look and make sure that you are happy with when you have been rostered on. If you are not on a roster and would like to be, please let me know. You can find the roster here.
No Sunday School
There will be no Sunday School for the next 1-2 weeks. We will resume as usual once the new school term begins in mid-October. Activity sheets will be provided for the children to use during the service.
Pre-Service Setup…er
We are still looking for someone/s to take on the role of setting up the chairs and displays and preparing Communion before the service each Sunday. This role requires you to be at church approximately 45 minutes before the service begins. If this is something you’d be interested in doing, please let me or Rex know.
Monthly Men’s Breakfast
Our next Monthly Men’s Breakfast is this Saturday from 8am - 9.30am at Mike’s place (87 Veale Road). Looking forward to seeing you there, men!
Wednesday In The Word
Our next Wednesday In The Word gathering is on October 7th, from 7:15pm at the Rogers (68 Fernleigh Street)! This is open to anyone and everyone (13+), and if you’ve got younger kids that need to come along, they’re welcome to hang out too!
Be sure to reflect on these questions as you read the passage so that you can come prepared to share!
What did you find interesting about this passage? Why?
What questions come to mind when reading this passage?
What do we learn about people from this passage?
What do we learn about God (or Jesus) from this passage?
In light of this passage and what we’ve discussed, how will you practically apply it this week?
Our discussions will be based around Luke 17:20-37, but feel free to engage with the rest of the context reading as well.
Context Reading: Luke 17
Focus Passage: Luke 17:20-37
Tea & Testimony
Tea & Testimony is on this Saturday, October 31st from 7pm at Carli’s place (68 Fernleigh Street, Frankleigh Park)! This is a great opportunity to spend some quality time with one another, hearing about what God has been doing in the lives of the women of the church. Come along and be encouraged!
Reflection
"Of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back—in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you."
- Frederick Buechner