New Mens Fellowship Study to Begin at Redeemer Church

The Mens Discipleship group returns this Fall and we’ll be reading through Martyn Lloyd-Jones book The Kingdom of God. We’ll be meeting in the fellowship hall from 8-9am. Below is the schedule. We hope to see you there for this time of fellowship and encouragement. The book can be purchased here.

Date                                            Reading

19 September 2015	Ch 1       The King’s Proclamation
3 October 2015	Ch 2       The First Priority
17 October 2015	Ch 3       Not With Outward Show
7 November 2015	Ch 4       Righteousness, Peace & Joy
21 November 2015	Ch 5       The Mystery
CHRISTMAS BREAK	CHRISTMAS BREAK
9 January 2016	Ch 6       Power
23 January 2016	Ch 7       The Three Men
13 February 2016	Ch 8       The Only Hope
27 February 2016	Ch 9       True Riches
12 March 2016	Ch 10     So Near And Yet So Far
26 March 2016	Ch 11     Born Again
9 April 2016	Ch 12     A Kingdom Which Can’t Be Moved
23 April 2016	Men’s Breakfast Wrap Up

A Response to the Supreme Court's Decision on SSM

Be of Good Cheer 

Last week the supreme court rendered some decisions that discouraged many. The decisions reflect a culture that appears to be turning from God. As Isaiah said, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!" (Is 5:20). Yet as Christians we are not to judge God by the darkness of His providences, but by the light of His word. The Psalmist tells us to rejoice because "the Lord reigns" (Ps 97:1) and the great heavenly multitude cries out, "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns" (Rev 19:6). The twists and turns of providence can be confusing, but God's word declares that He is in total control of world history in general and American history in particular. He has a plan and His purpose is being fulfilled in all things. Though His judgments are too deep for us to easily or fully fathom, His word tells us that all things are working together for the eternal welfare of His people. Jesus Christ has accomplished our salvation and we are one day nearer the never-ending bliss of heaven! So in midst of difficult circumstances, let us rejoice in His reign. He sits upon the throne unruffled, unchanged and unmatched in His wisdom, glory and grace. Be of good cheer, Christian! Christ our King is coming back. He is preparing a place for us and will return to take us home. "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal 6:10), Do not fear, only believe (Mk 5:36).

Confession of Sin

This week's Confession of Sin. May it stir your heart to holiness.
Our Father, you are the infinite and eternal God who knows all things. You are mindful of our thoughts and acquainted with our purposes. No secret thing is hidden from your sight. All our imaginations are laid bare before you. We have sinned by giving thought to and savoring in our minds things that are wicked and depraved. Often our affections to be enslaved by evil desires. Our hearts have been the source of countless transgressions. Your good and holy law we have broken within while trying to look religious without. There is no excuse for our hypocrisy. By nature no good thing dwells in us. Apart from your grace our souls are desperately evil and incurably sick. Please forgive us for Jesus’ sake. 

Reformation History Class

Martin Luther

Our own Kevin Glazier has been teaching the Adult Sunday School class through Reformation History. It has been a fascinating and enlightening study. Click here to find the recordings and .pdf file notes. Have questions? Please send them to us and we'll get back to you.

Christmas Eve Service

We would like to invite you to join the Redeemer Church Family for our annual Christmas Eve Service and Appetizer Hour.  Our Appetizer Hour is a wonderful time to enjoy fellowship and celebrate the season with family, friends and food!  Appetizers begin at 6 pm followed by our service at 7 pm.  If you plan to attend, please sign up to bring an appetizer to share at 

http://www.PerfectPotluck.com/meals.php?t=VUVO4350

We look forward to seeing you there!

"Knowing God" Study Begins

The Mens and Ladies groups at Redeemer Church in Hudson, Ohio will be reading and studying through the well known and foundational book by J.I. Packer, Knowing God this Fall. We look forward to having you join us if you're in the area for a great time of fellowship and edification. Check our website for more details.

Product Description

One of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals (Christianity Today, 2006) Platinum Book Award, Evangelical Christian Publishing Association For over 40 years, J. I. Packer's classic has been an important tool to help Christians around the world discover the wonder, the glory and the joy of knowing God. In 2006, Christianity Today voted this title one of the top 50 books that have shaped evangelicals. This edition is updated with Americanized language and spelling and a new preface by the author. Stemming from Packer's profound theological knowledge, Knowing God brings together two important facets of the Christian faith— knowing about God and also knowing God through the context of a close relationship with the person of Jesus Christ. Written in an engaging and practical tone, this thought-provoking work seeks to transform and enrich the Christian understanding of God. Explaining both who God is and how we can relate to him, Packer divides his book into three sections: The first directs our attention to how and why we know God, the second to the attributes of God and the third to the benefits enjoyed by a those who know him intimately. This guide leads readers into a greater understanding of God while providing advice to gaining a closer relationship with him as a result.

To Leave or Not To Leave

Recently at least one pastor has advocated leaving the PCA for what he believes are valid reasons.  In response another pastor argued that while those reasons give rise to some concern, they are not serious enough in his mind to warrant a departure.  To leave or not to leave, that is the question.  I believe there are two preliminary queries that must be answered in order to resolve this larger issue.  First, is leaving a church or denomination necessary?  Second, is leaving a church or denomination wise?  Regarding the former question, I am in agreement with the second pastor’s response.  The concerns about the PCA do not necessitate leaving the denomination.  As to the latter question, I do not believe it is wise at this time to leave the PCA.  Indeed, it appears very unwise to depart from one fellowship without being called to a different one.  That is to say, it is never wise to leave any church or denomination for purely negative reasons.  God does not simply drive us away from challenging or difficult circumstances.  He uses them to test, challenge and refine – to sanctify us.  Therefore, we are to stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong (1Cor 16:13).  In other words, be courageous!  We need not flee from anything except sin.  But of course that is dealt with in the first question – is it necessary?  A wise departure always involves being called or guided to something – to a new sphere or opportunity for service, ministry or fellowship.

Let us resist the consumeristic urge to think only of our own tastes and preferences.  Paul says, Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves (Php 2:3).  We must look not only to our own interests but also to those of others (v. 4).  Membership in a church or denomination involves a significant degree of commitment.  It means we become part of a family in which we are bound to maintain a holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to [our] mutual edification (WCF 26.2).  To leave unnecessarily for selfish reasons is never wise.  One of the distinguishing traits of a truly Christian character or a genuine Christian church is loyalty.  We serve and worship a God who promises He will never leave us or forsake us.  Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful (2Ti 2:13).  That kind of fidelity should be reflected in our lives and relations.  I do not mean we are to be loyal at all costs, for sometimes circumstances demand decisive action and a break with ungodly influences.  The formation of the PCA is a case in point.  The churches leaving the PCUS departed necessarily and wisely.  But I do mean that loyalty requires kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other… and above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col 3:12-14).  Is it necessary to leave the PCA?  No.  Is it wise to leave the PCA?  No, because God is not calling us elsewhere and loyalty demands that we persevere together.  As for me and our church, since at this time a departure is unnecessary and unwise, we will remain gratefully within the PCA.

Doctrine of the Church Study

Please join us as we begin a new study this quarter in the adult Sunday school class, The Doctrine of the Church. If you missed the first class or would like to listen over the 'net, week one can be heard  or downloaded here. Below is a schedule for the quarter. We look forward to your comments.

            THE CHURCH SYLLABUS

  

1.         KING AND HEAD OF THE CHURCH

1.         Doctrine explained

2.         Lord of conscience

3.         Errors

2.         NATURE OF THE CHURCH

1.         Visible and invisible

2.         Militant and triumphant

3.         Organism and organization

4.         Particular and mission

3.         NATURE OF THE CHURCH (CONT.)

1.         Unity

2.         Catholicity

3.         Apostolicity

4.         Indestructibility

4.         MARKS OF THE CHURCH

1.         Word and sacrament

2.         Belief and practice

3.         Purity

5.         POWER OF THE CHURCH

1.         Spiritual

2.         Ministerial & declarative

3.         Constitution

4.         Terms of admission

5.         Qualifications of officers

6.         GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH

1.         Presbyterianism

2.         Church members

3.         Church officers

4.         Church courts

5.         Church orders 

7.         DISCIPLINE OF THE CHURCH

1.         Nature

2.         Subjects

3.         Ends

4.         Offenses

5.         Censures

6.         Appeals

7.         Complaints

8.         WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH

1.         Nature of worship

2.         Keys of the Kingdom

3.         Regulative Principle

4.         Worship specifics

   a.         Elements

   b.         Forms

   c.         Circumstances 

9.         WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH (CONT.)

1.         Ministry of the Word

   a.         Preaching

   b.         Reading

   c.         Confessing

2.         Praise and prayer

3.         Collection

4.         Call to Worship

5.         Benediction 

10.       SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH

1.         Baptism

2.         Lord’s Supper

3.         Lord’s Day 

11.       COMMUNION OF THE CHURCH

1.         Communion with Christ

   a.         Foundation

   b.         Nature

   c.         Manner

2.         Communion of saints

   a.         Holy fellowship

   b.         Spiritual services

   c.         Mutual relief

   d.         Private property 

12.       MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH

1.         Evangelism

2.         Mercy

3.         Education

4.         Women

5.         Children 

13.       HISTORY OF THE CHURCH

1.         NT Church

2.         Presbyterian Church in America

3.         Redeemer Church