Update No. 418
Good Afternoon, Redeemer Family
Sermon Recordings
This week, Rex preached from Matthew 4:1–11, continuing our Easter series by examining Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. He reminded us that where Adam and the nation of Israel rebelled and failed to trust God, Jesus stood as the true and faithful Son, conquering Satan’s enticements for quick fixes, self-exaltation, and worldly glory by standing firmly on the Word of God. Because Jesus achieved this perfect victory on our behalf, we are encouraged to bring our own daily struggles and temptations to Him, trusting that the same Holy Spirit who empowered Christ in the wilderness now lives in us to help us endure and rest in the Father's loving provision.
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… or you can just listen below.
Can’t wait until Wednesday to listen to our latest sermon? Good news, you don’t have to! Our sermons are now uploaded by 5pm every Sunday.
ReMemer Church
Redeemer Easter Series
As we approach Easter, we have been exploring the wilderness as a place where God meets, prepares, and tests His people. Here is a brief recap of the first two weeks as we prepare for this Sunday's conclusion:
Part 1: Jesus Out of the Wilderness: Announcing His Mission
Steve reminded us that the wilderness is often a "liminal space", a difficult, in-between season of life. Through John the Baptist's straightforward message, we were challenged to examine our hearts and repent. John called the people to look away from themselves and trust the coming King, who brings true cleansing through the Holy Spirit.
Part 2: Jesus Into the Wilderness: Preparing for His Mission
Rex unpacked the temptation of Christ in the desert. Where Adam failed, and Israel rebelled, Jesus stood firm as our faithful representative. By relying entirely on the Word of God, He rejected Satan's shortcuts. He conquered temptation on our behalf, securing our victory and giving us the strength to face our own daily battles.
This Sunday: Jesus Out of the Wilderness: Accomplishing His Mission
Join us this week as we conclude the series on Easter Sunday. Having seen Jesus announced out of the wilderness and tested within it, we will now look at the culmination of His redemptive work. We will explore how Jesus was led outside the city walls to be crucified, stepping into the wilderness one final time to bear our sin. It is from this place of exile and wilderness that His ultimate victory and the defeat of death emerge.
Wednesday In The Word
Our next Wednesday in the Word is on Wednesday, March 8, 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!
Just a reminder of the questions that we will be asking/answering, so that you can come prepared!
What did you like about this story? Why?
What questions might someone have about it?
What do we learn about people?
What do we learn about God (or Jesus)?
After hearing this, what are you going to do this week?
Our discussions will be based around Luke 5:17–26, but feel free to engage with the rest of the context reading as well.
Context Reading: Luke 5:12–6:11
Focus Passage: Luke 5:17–26
No Sunday School
There will be no Sunday School over the school holidays. For the next three Sundays, the children will be in the service. We will have sermon notes and activity sheets available as per usual.
SGA e-Good News Report
They've heard "Christ is risen."
Now you can help them understand
What is a better way to celebrate Easter than by helping pastors in former Soviet nations reach the lost? Thank you for helping to provide them with the funds to extend food, hygiene supplies, and other emergency aid through Compassion Ministry and invitations to Easter services . . . so that those who hunger spiritually can hear that “Christ is risen!”
Monthly Men’s Breakfast
Our next monthly men’s breakfast is next month, on the 11th of April, from 8am at Mike’s place (87 Veale Road). We’re meeting on the second Saturday of the month because the first Saturday is Easter weekend. All of the men of the church are welcome! You can also bring a friend, but he too must be a biological man (is there any other kind? I think not).
Tea & Testimony
Our next gathering will be on Saturday, May 2nd, from 7pm at the Rogers (68 Fernleigh Street)!
We are so excited to have Angie from King’s Church in Christchurch (part of our New Frontiers family) joining us to share her testimony that night. Angie is coming up with her husband Tim, who will be preaching for us on the Sunday.
What Are Our Kids Learning?
On Sunday, the children learned that God always keeps His promises, even when they seem impossible! After years of waiting, 100-year-old Abraham and 90-year-old Sarah finally welcomed their promised son, Isaac. But years later, God gave Abraham a shocking test of faith: He asked him to sacrifice his beloved son on a mountain. Abraham trusted God completely, believing that God would keep His promises no matter what. Right before the sacrifice, God stopped Abraham and provided a ram caught in the bushes to take Isaac's place.
This incredible story points us directly to the Gospel. Just as Isaac carried the wood up the mountain, Jesus carried a wooden cross up a hill. But while God provided a ram to spare Isaac’s life, He offered His own beloved Son to save ours! Jesus is the perfect Lamb of God who took the punishment for our sins so that we wouldn't have to face death. What an amazing reminder that we can trust the Lord with all our hearts because He has already provided the ultimate rescue for us.
Their memory verse is:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” - Proverbs 3:5
Baptism Class
Considering getting baptised but aren't sure of the next steps? Or maybe you're just curious about what this whole "baptism" thing is really all about?
Good news! We’ll be running a Baptism Class soon. If you're interested in joining, please come chat with Rex. We guarantee that after the class, you'll understand baptism at least as well as Delmar does!
Reflection For The Week
“Temptation is like a knife, that may either cut the meat or the throat of a man; it may be his food or his poison, his exercise or his destruction.”
- John Owen