Update No. 438
Good Morning, Redeemer Family
Sermon Recordings
This week, Sean moved us into Hebrews 12:1–2, challenging us to run the race set before us with endurance. Using the metaphor of a rugby stadium, he reminded us that we aren't called to be casual spectators, sideline critics, or rule-enforcing referees. We are called to be players on the field. Surrounding us are the "veterans" of the faith, that great cloud of witnesses cheering us on from the stands. To run effectively, Sean noted that we must throw off the heavy baggage of our besetting sins and fix our eyes firmly on Jesus. Just as Jesus "despised the shame" of the cross to finish His mission, we must not let our own shame or past failures pull us out of the game. We don't earn our spot on the team by being perfect; our name was called by grace. So, we can leave our shame behind, step onto the field, and keep running toward the Savior.
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
Website Login Update
I’ve recently updated our website’s login process to improve security and make signing in and out much smoother.
A few things have changed, but one you’ll probably notice is that you no longer need to enter a password a second time to access the Directory! The page is still completely secure, but the new process is much more user-friendly. Additionally, this new system is designed to work seamlessly across a wider variety of devices and web browsers. So, if you were having trouble logging in before, please give it another try.
Please note that as part of this security upgrade, the old password will no longer work.
The new password is:
StrongHold2Samuel22:3
If you run into any issues or need help, please let me know!
Wednesday In The Word
Our next Wednesday In The Word is on Wednesday, August 16th 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?
I accidentally put our previous gathering’s passage in the newsletter/notices. Our discussions will actually be based around Luke 14:15–24, but feel free to engage with the rest of the context reading as well. Sorry about that!
Context Reading: Luke 14
Focus Passage: Luke 14:15–24
Tea & Testimony - This Saturday!
Tea & Testimony is on this Saturday, August 22nd from 7pm at Nicola’s place (17 Waiwera Place, Merrilands)! 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!
Monthly Men’s Breakfast
Our next Monthly Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday, September 5th from 8am - 9.30am at Mike’s place (87 Veale Road).
What Are Our Kids Learning?
On Sunday, the children learned the beautiful story of Ruth and Naomi, which took place during the dark and difficult days of the Judges. After losing her husband and two sons while living in a foreign land, Naomi returned to Bethlehem so heartbroken that she asked to be called "Bitter." But her daughter-in-law, Ruth, refused to leave her side, bravely leaving her own country and choosing to worship the one true God. We saw how God was quietly at work in their sorrow, leading Ruth to the fields of a kind and generous man named Boaz, who stepped in to marry Ruth, buy back her family's land, and rescue them from poverty.
We learned that Boaz acted as a "redeemer" for Naomi and Ruth, turning their bitter tragedy into a sweet blessing. But God's plan was even bigger than they could have ever imagined! Ruth, a foreigner, was not only welcomed into God's family, but she became the great-grandmother of King David. Generations later, her name is written right there in the family tree of Jesus! Just as Boaz stepped in to save Ruth and Naomi, Jesus is our ultimate Redeemer who steps in to rescue us from our sins. This story is a wonderful reminder that we can always trust God's plan for our lives, even when things are incredibly hard, because He is always working behind the scenes for our good.
Their memory verse is:
“Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer!” - Ruth 4:14
North Island Biblical Counselling Conference
We would love to encourage our church family to attend the upcoming North Island Biblical Counselling Conference! Hosted by the New Zealand Biblical Counselling Association (NZBCA), this event is a fantastic opportunity to be equipped to faithfully care for one another using the Word of God.
Conference Details
Speaker: Dr. Stuart Scott (Professor of Biblical Counselling at The Master’s University and Director of Member Care with ACBC)
Location: Covenant Presbyterian Church, 77 Rogers Road, Manuwera, Auckland
What to Expect
The weekend is split into two connected themes, focusing on how genuine heart-change naturally leads to better care for our church family.
Pre-Conference: A Christlike Mindset
Friday, 18th September 2026 The pre-conference addresses the central battleground of personal change: pride versus humility. Dr. Scott will expose how pride resists change and how cultivating a humble heart opens the way for genuine transformation.
Main Conference: Christlike Love
Saturday, 19th September 2026 Saturday shifts focus to the "one another" passages of the New Testament. You will learn what it looks like to rely on the sufficiency of Scripture to build up the body of Christ and how biblical counselling is simply a natural extension of normal Christian living.
Want a preview? If you want to get a feel for the teaching before signing up, the NZBCA has recently uploaded the video recordings and session notes from this year's South Island conference to their YouTube Channel.
You can also follow NBCA on Facebook and Instagram
Reflection
"Why should I flinch at my Lord’s plow when it cuts deep into my soul? I know He is not an aimless farmer; He intends to produce a harvest. If only this dry, withered soil could become fertile enough to bear a crop for Him, the One who is painstakingly preparing it, and that this hard ground would finally be broken open!"
- Samuel Rutherford (Modernised)