Update No. 445
Good Afternoon, Redeemer Family
Sermon Recordings
This week, Sean concluded our journey through the end of Hebrews 12, building on the "tale of two mountains" by contrasting the terrifying, untouchable holiness of Mount Sinai with the gracious promise of Mount Zion found only in Jesus. While the old mountain separated sinful humanity from a holy God, Jesus now stands as our perfect mediator, fulfilling the ancient hopes of Job and Isaiah that we might one day see God face-to-face. However, this beautiful promise carries a severe warning: we must not reject the One who speaks from heaven. Sean reminded us that a day is coming when God will violently shake all of creation, removing everything temporary so that only His eternal kingdom remains. For those who reject Christ, this guarantees a terrifying final judgment, but for believers, it is the ultimate fulfillment of our hope. Because we are totally secure in a kingdom that cannot be shaken, our only logical response is deep thankfulness, freeing us to serve God acceptably with reverence, awe, and genuine gratitude.
If you weren’t able to make it on Sunday or if you’d like to listen to this sermon or any previous sermons, they’re all available here.
ReMemer Church
Trusting Amidst Transition
On Sunday, Sean shared that after about nine years leasing our hall, a change of custodian has brought a raft of new rules for the church. Arrangements that were previously approved, including our library, cupboards and equipment storage, are now being revoked, with only a very short timeframe to make the changes. In light of this, the elders and deacons have begun seriously exploring alternative venues. There's plenty of commercial space in New Plymouth, but it's very expensive, and with a budget of about zero, we truly need the Lord to guide and provide. Sean acknowledged that while the hall was never perfect, it has been familiar, and change like this can easily stir up fear. He reminded us, though, that Scripture is full of transitions that seemed hard at the time, from Israel's journey through the wilderness to the move from the old covenant to the new, and in each one God was working for the good of His people. Perhaps this is part of what He is doing now: drawing us closer together in our union as members of one church family, and teaching us to trust that He knows exactly what He's doing. We prayed together that God would remind us He is on the throne, ruling in power, love, grace, and mercy, and that His Spirit would comfort us with the knowledge of His sovereignty over all of life. Please join us in praying, and feel free to speak with any of the elders if you'd like to talk things through or share any concerns.
Wednesday In The Word - Tonight!
Wednesday In The Word is on tonight, 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
No Sunday School
There will be no Sunday School this Sunday, but we will resume as usual on the following Sunday, October 18. Activity sheets will be provided for the children to use during the service.
Christmas Eve Volunteers
With Christmas quickly approaching it’s time for us to start planning our Christmas Eve service. If you’ve got ideas, if you’d like to be a part of the planning team, or if you’d just like to volunteer your time to help set up the hall (God willing, maybe a new hall!) for the service, please get in touch with Carli.
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 Fraser or Rex know.
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
“What advantage is it to us to know that God has created, and by his providence does still uphold all things?
That we may be patient in adversity; thankful in prosperity; and that in all things, which may hereafter befall us, we place our firm trust in our faithful God and Father, that nothing shall separate us from his love; since all creatures are so in his hand, that without his will they cannot so much as move.”
- Q&A 28 of the Heidelberg Catechism