Redlands Christian Reformed Church

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Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchLoving the Outsider - 24/11/2024Bible Text: Colossians 4:2-6 Preacher: Phil Popping We’ve been talking about ‘Loving the church’ over the past few weeks, but how does our attitude of love and service extend to the outsider? To our friends and family who don’t come to church? This week we talk about inviting our non-Christian friends and family to church, and the issues that this raises—about our own fears and reluctance to issue the invitation, and about how welcoming and intelligible our church meetings are for the outsider. What can we do to both bring people in and ensure their experience of church...2024-12-1234 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchPassions and Pleasures - 08/09/2024Bible Text: James 4:1-12 James uses some really strong words in this passage: war, fighting, killing. He calls people double minded sinners, and asks them to mourn and wail - changing their laughter to mourning and joy to gloom. Worst of all, these words seem to be directed to believers in the church! Is James saying them to us? How could these sayings and descriptions be part of the Christian life and walk?2024-09-0934 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchHolding Our Tongues - 26/05/2024Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40 This is perhaps one of the most shocking passages in the whole Bible to modern ears. At first glance, Paul seems to command something like a zipper on the mouths of women in church. Can we really believe that in this modern world? Is this a practice we should take on board at Redlands?2024-05-2736 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchJoy and Confidence in the Church - 5/11/2023Bible Text: Philippians 1:3-6 Preacher: Ben Ring The life of a Christian in the church can be wearisome. It is easy to lose our joy and confidence as we labour. In this week's text, Paul opens his letter to the Philippians with an encouragement. He starts by confessing his joy for the Philippians as they partner with him, and he reminds them that their ultimate joy and confidence is driven by the gospel and powered by God's continued work in them.2023-11-0933 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchUnity in the Gospel - 24/09/2023Bible Text: Titus 3:1-11 Ps Jono Deenick In the coming weeks we will be looking at some topics that many Christian's disagree upon. That's OK and it's good to delve into God's word to try and understand as much as we can of Him and living for Him, but we want to do it with the right mindset. Too often in our somewhat polarising culture matters of disagreement can become arguments and dispute. That hasn't been the case for us and we want to continue to find unity in Christ. And so this week we...2023-09-2836 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchFleeing From Idolatry - 3/09/2023Preacher: Ben Ring Text: 1 Corinthians 10:14 - 11:1 In our text this week, Paul confronts lifestyles and activities which are contradictory to the life of a Christian. In particular, he tells us that we can't be people who live for Christ and also people who participate in idolatry. As Christians we are to flee idolatry at all costs, and we are to be so weary of idolatry that we care about the idolatry of others around us too. Ultimately, this is a difficult task and we won't be able to do it without replacing our love for worldly things...2023-09-0634 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchAmbassadors for Christ - 07/05/2023Preacher: Jesse Gollan Bible Text: 1 Peter 2:18-25 Does your life act as an advertisement for Jesus? Have you ever wondered how to respond as a Christian when you are mistreated? Is Hungry Jacks better than McDonalds? How can our very lives declare the glory of Jesus? Join us this Sunday as we explore these questions with Jesse Gollan, our guest preacher. 2023-05-1740 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Call to Growth & Unity - 22/01/2023Bible Text: Ephesians 4:1-16 Here is Paul’s vision for the church, which is an expression of God’s design for His church. God’s church is to display charity, unity, diversity and growing maturity. These are the characteristics of ‘a life worthy of the calling’ to which God has called us, and which the apostle begs us to lead. It is the picture of a deepening fellowship, an eagerness to maintain Christian unity and to recover if it is lost. The picture of an active every-member ministry which leads to a steady growth into maturity. It is the beau...2023-02-1538 min

The Faith Without Fear PodcastEpisode 32: Faith & Hope in a Time of COVID (Redlands Clergy Conversation 1)As we move into a time after Easter we wanted to dedicate some time to talk with various Christian clergy leaders in Redlands, so over the next few episodes we plan on engaging with these friends and fellow ministers. In this episode, Pastor Shawn and Pastor Nick are joined by Rev. Kim Krogstad at First Lutheran Church and Rev. Dr. J.T. Greenleaf at First United Methodist Church to talk about the journey of faith and hope through the time of COVID19. Where are the glimpses of hope and sacrifice and light during this time? 2021-04-0937 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Heart of Discipleship (AM Service) - AudioIt is possible to misunderstand following Jesus as merely following a set of rules. That is especially a danger as we come to the end of a set of instructions and hear Jesus urging us to put His teaching into practice. But that is not a good summary of the life of discipleship. A far better picture is the one Jesus uses here, of fruit trees producing their fruit and of hearts that produce good works. To understand that picture and to understand what it has to do with coming to Jesus, listening to Him and doing what He says...2020-07-1934 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchCorrecting Without Judging (AM Service) - Audio'Do not judge, and you will not be judged.' So begins our passage from Luke for today. These are well known words but not always well understood words. They sound good to our cultural ears, we like the idea of not judging others. Although as we look around we see a world that is becoming increasingly censorious and quick to write people off. We also know that Jesus in saying this is making a moral command, a judgement if you like. Something He does quite often. So how does this work? What place is there in the Christian community...2020-07-1239 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchLove Your Enemies (AM Service) - AudioLife as disciples of Jesus would not be easy. To be a Christian will be different; it will be radical; it will be hard. At the beginning of the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus presents a picture of what life would be like as a disciple. They would be rejected and despised. Now, Jesus’ attention turns to love, not an ordinary love but a difficult and superior form of love. He says we are to love our enemies. A seemingly crazy response to hurt, but a love that is an appropriate response for a disciple who has experienced God’s merc...2020-07-0531 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Way of Discipleship (AM Service) - AudioAs we continue through Luke, we read about Jesus picks his 12 disciples and then he goes into a sermon message. This is similar to the Sermon on the Mount that we find in Matthew, but Luke’s version is a lot shorter. Jesus begins his sermon with four blessings, defining to his disciples the effect that following him will have on their life. Jesus then adds four woes or warnings to guard against. What we read is a little disconcerting. What is Jesus’ point in defining discipleship this way? The question is, will you treasure Jesus more than anything else? What...2020-06-2839 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchFaith in the Sight of Death (AM Service) - AudioGenesis 23 marks, in many ways, the end of the account of Abraham in Genesis. There is a little more on him, but the focus in chapter 24 shifts to Isaac's life. This is an odd section. We have the death of Sarah and then a great deal of information on buying a field. Why? Why is this even significant enough to include in the Bible, when so much else is left out? The answer lies in seeing how Abraham's actions here relate to God's promises to him. Though where a person is buried may not seem very significant to us, for...2020-06-1435 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchFaith Put To The Test (AM Service) - AudioGenesis 22 is one of the most famous stories in the Bible, the story of Abraham offering up Isaac. I think anyone can see, in this account of Abraham offering his son Isaac a remarkable foreshadowing in the Old Testament of the work of Christ in the New. As you read the story you can’t miss the parallel with God sending his own Son to Calvary’s mountain centuries later. While that is true, it is still a disturbing story. What God asks Abraham to do is grotesque and raises a number of troubling questions. The biggest struggle is not what...2020-06-0736 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Joy of Promise Fulfilled (AM Service) - AudioAfter many years of waiting today we read of God fulfilling one of His promises to Abraham. This is a vitally important promise, perhaps the most important, the birth of a son. For we know that through Abraham's offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, the curse brought into the world through sin will be undone. And so there is great rejoicing, but not by all. For this is also the sad account of Ishmael's rejection of God's promises. Even though he had all the evidence he needed that Abraham's God was the true God, he did not want...2020-05-3137 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchFaltering Faith and a Faithful God (AM Service) - AudioIn this chapter we see Abraham faltering in his faith in the same way he had done earlier in his life. The scenario was very similar to that related in Genesis 12, and Abraham falls into the same trap. We last saw Abraham overlooking the valley of the Dead Sea, interceding with God on behalf of the wicked cities of the plain. This is a place of high favour in Abraham’s life, when he seems to have grown to a position of wonderful friendship with God. Now, his faith falters and he sins. It is interesting how the Bible is ut...2020-05-2437 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe God of Judgement and Rescue - AudioThis week we encounter the very difficult account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It raises all sort of questions for us, 'why did God do this?' 'Is it just?' 'Does God still act like this?' 'Why was Lot considered righteous?' and probably others as well. It is a sombre account, but it is one we must wrestle with because it address the core need of humanity, rescue from our deserved punishment. For this is a story of rescue as well as judgement. And it's a hopeful rescue for we see here a flawed human...2020-05-1746 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchFreedom for the Wise Woman (AM Service) - AudioToday as we celebrate Mother's Day we look at a passage that could be viewed as only heaping pressure onto mothers. After all the standards here seem impossibly high. Given the impossible standards that our culture places on mothers (and others of us as well), surely this is the last think we need on Mother's Day. However, as we examine Proverbs 31 we will see that there is actually freedom here. Freedom to pursue what God wants and freedom to pursue it from the security of knowing we are loved and cared for by God. Bible Text: Proverbs 31:10-31 2020-05-1035 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWalking With God (AM Service) - AudioLast week Pastor Jono introduced us to the call of God to Abraham to walk before him blamelessly. At that time it required humility and obedience. Now in chapter 18, as Abraham continues his humble, obedient walk before the Lord we get three examples of what that looks like. Abraham, in his humble walk extends hospitality, receives assurances from the Lord and prays to God for the city of Sodom. As those who, through Jesus Christ, are in a relationship with God we too can express our humble walk with God in similar ways. Bible Text: Genesis 18 2020-05-0342 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchPromise and Humility - AudioAs we continue in our journey with Abram in the book of Genesis, this week we once again have God speaking to him and making profound promises to Abram. However, unlike back in Genesis 15 now God asks Abram to do something, circumcise himself and every male in his household. This must have been a strange and, to some degree, difficult request. And what does it have to do with Abram following God in faith? As we examine this passage we will explore one of the most important facets of following God, humility. For here we see God continuing his work...2020-04-2641 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchNot Waiting for God (AM Service) - AudioGenesis 16 shows the consequences of not waiting for God. God had laid out a clear plan to Abram, but it seems the plan is in jeopardy because of the advancing ages of Abram and Sarai. Anxious to see the fulfilment of God’s promise of a son, they decide to take things into their own hands. It seemed like a good idea, but the consequences were devastating for the family and, later, for the nation of Israel. It is foolish and dangerous to rush ahead of God; wisdom calls for waiting on Him in faith. This is a lesson which is...2020-04-1935 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchJesus is Risen! (AM Service) - AudioChristianity rises or falls on the truth of the resurrection. That is, if Jesus did not rise from the dead, everything we hold to falls away. So on Sunday morning we will examine Luke 24 to see how Luke is demonstrating that we can be sure Jesus rose from the dead. Having seen that, we will also remember what Jesus' resurrection means for us in a world that is often full of trouble, hardship and death, and so celebrate that He will come again and make all things new. Bible Reading: Luke 24:1-12, 36-53 2020-04-1230 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Gospel of Good Friday (AM Service) - AudioAgainst the backdrop of everything going on in our world, Christians dare to say that something pivotal happened over the course of three days early in the first century. In a far-off, forgotten province in a dusty corner of the Roman Empire, a man was unjustly condemned, executed, and buried, and everything changed. The cross and resurrection of Jesus is like the hinge of history, the turning point, that changed everything. It is here at the cross that we find our hope. It is here at the cross the heart and love of God is demonstrated for all to see...2020-04-1036 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe God Who Keeps His Word - AudioLast week we saw Abram win a great victory and rescue Lot. It was a victory God had given him and yet it was a victory that could lead to much trouble in the future. So in Genesis 15 God comes to reassure Abram. The problem for Abram is that he is still waiting for God to fulfil other promises, so how can he be confident God will take care of him? The answer God gives is both astounding and encouraging. It is also an answer that can greatly encourage us as people who wait for God to fulfil His promises...2020-04-0531 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchCourage to the Glory of God (AM Service) - AudioThis week we return to Genesis 14 and the life of Abram. On the surface this is, at best, an interesting story of heroic battle and rescue. But even so, we are left wondering what are we to make of such an account. Even in good times it doesn't seem that helpful and in times like these it seems even less relevant. Yet, as we have seen, Abram's story is one of walking by faith in the face of trial and uncertainty. This week we will see Abram acting courageously to do what is right and then resisting the temptation to...2020-03-2938 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Christian and Coronavirus (AM Service) - AudioThe Church Council thought it would be wise to take a one-week break from our study of Abraham in Genesis to talk about the Coronavirus. You can’t escape hearing about it. The Coronavirus is spreading quickly, and things are changing daily. Because of news saturation, evolving cases and the many unknowns, there are lots of different responses. Some of you might be completely at peace, because you think it’s nothing, and will all go away soon. You are in the age demographic that will have minor symptoms and wonder what the fuss is about. I hope you are righ...2020-03-2238 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchA Path to Blessing (AM Service) - AudioToday we return to the book of Genesis. Last year we begun right back in Gen 1 where we see God creating a beautiful world, with humans made in His image. A world full of goodness and blessing. However, humanity chose autonomy and what followed was numerous accounts of what happens when humanity rejects God and tries to go it's own way. Yet God has not abandoned his world. He promised to deal with evil through a descendant of Eve. He reiterates that promise to Abram, through one of his descendants God will bless the whole world. In chapter 13, that descendant...2020-03-1534 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGlorifying God - Our Purpose in Life - AudioWe are told that God has a purpose in creating and redeeming us. So, why do we, as a church, exist? We can probably list some of them: to bring the Gospel to the lost; to bring hope to the hurting; to prepare children for life; to solve our pain and problems; to have a comfortable life. These are some of the benefits of life, the side dishes, but not its purpose. They are good, but not the very purpose of our life. If everything in creation exists for the glory of God, including ourselves, then how do we do...2020-03-0833 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGo and Make Disciples - AudioOne of the last things Jesus did in His earthly ministry was to give his disciples and, after them, the church a mission. The great mission to tell people of His glorious saving work, so that He would be honoured and many would be saved. We know this. Many, if not all, of us feel convicted to do this, but we don't always do it. Why not? What stops us from pursuing this mission the way we should, and want to? This morning we will take some time to look at Paul, the great evangelist, and try to discover what...2020-03-0135 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGospel Giving (AM Service) - AudioThis Sunday we are looking at our fourth G…Giving. The main idea is that God has graciously given so much to us that our response is to give ourselves by loving and serving God and others as we gather and grow. ON the surface, we are going to talk about money and what the Bible says about giving, but the issue actually goes a whole lot deeper. When Paul wrote his letter, he was concerned that, not only would they give, he wanted to see their hearts changed as they gave; to see them grow. The motivation for this wi...2020-02-2337 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGrowing in Godliness - AudioOver the last few weeks we have begun to examine our values here at RCRC. We began with looking at the way the Gospel shapes and transforms everything and then we looked at the fact that God gathers us together for our good and His glory. This week we consider what it means to grow as followers of Christ. Why would we want to grow in godliness of Christlikeness? How can we do that as broken sinful people? Often it seems so hard to change. In 2 Peter 1 we will find great encouragement to grow as we look forward to our...2020-02-1636 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGather - Unified in Christ - AudioLast week we began exploring our values as a Church. We started with the Gospel and Pastor Jim showed us that the truth of the gospel transforms every area of our life. One of those areas, is our life together as a church. The gospel shapes how we see ourselves as we gather and how we should treat one another and care for one another. It's not that we are trying to make ourselves something as a church but live up to what God has made us. And in the process we have the opportunity to display the manifold wisdom...2020-02-0939 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Gospel is for Christians Too - AudioOver the next few weeks we will be thinking over the core values of our church, reminding ourselves of who we are and what we do as followers of Jesus Christ. Our first value is, GOSPEL: The Gospel is at the heart of all we say and do’. What do we mean by this? We tend to think ‘the gospel’ is a message we share with others; something we believe in order to be saved. But the gospel is more than that. It wasn’t meant to just change your eternity, but your everyday life. It’s not just about getting in...2020-02-0236 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchPraying for Our Leaders - AudioPsalm 134 is the last of the psalms of ascent, the songs the Israelites sang as they went up to the various festivals in Jerusalem. As the final psalm in the collection, it seems to play the part of a farewell from the people to the priests who presided over the festivals and then a blessing from those priests. That all seems a long way removed from our experience, but if we think about it there are some great lessons on how to support our church and ministry leaders. We will also see why that is so important for the health...2020-01-2625 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchOut of the Depths - AudioPsalm 130 starts with a cry to God. The psalmist is deep distressed, in particular because he sees the terrible separation from God that his sin brings. He does not stay in distress however. God's word reminds him that God is a God who forgives, who does not keep a record of sins. And so the psalm ends with the psalmist longing for God and extolling God's goodness to others. This psalm is a spiritual journey that helps us understand how we too can long for God and delight to tell other how great He is.2020-01-1932 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWe are Unshakeable - AudioThe psalm begins with a question and concludes with God’s promise. He asks the question, ‘Who can be in the presence of God?’ Then he lays out the standard: perfectionism, blameless, holy 100% of the time. Why is the bar so high? Why can’t God make allowances for our imperfection? Because we’re talking about His holy hill. Because the worship in His tent is to be holy. Because He is a holy God. So, who can enter? Who is the one who qualifies? Jesus Christ. He lived the perfect life and God promises that a perfect life cannot be shaken...2020-01-1236 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchRemembering and Praying in the Battle - AudioPsalm 129 is one of the psalms of ascents, the psalms that were particularly sung by pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem for religious festivals. This psalm however is a bit morbid. It deals with persecution and deliverance but also a prayer that God will deal with the persecutors. What are we to do with such a psalm? What good can come of remembering past persecution? Should we pray in the same way as the psalmist does? This psalm reminds us that taking on the name of Jesus can bring trouble and helps us to know how to find hope in...2020-01-0533 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchYou are in Good Hands (AM Service) - AudioWhen his life was in danger, David found refuge in the rocky wilderness of Judea. As he reflected on that he was able to say he has taken refuge in the Lord, his rock and fortress. With God as his rock, David found grace to say, 'I trust in you; my times are in your hands'. This is perhaps the greatest challenge to us as we face life because we don't like waiting. As we enter 2020 may we learn to trust God with our lives, commit ourselves to him, and in doing so, find rest. Bible Reading: Psalm 31 2019-12-2935 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchAn Unexpected Christmas - AudioChristmas is about the unexpected. Christmas is about a God born in a stable so that he could identify with those who are broken, those who are needy, those who don’t have life all together. It’s about a God who came not for those who are independent and self-sufficient, but for those who know that they’re sick with sin and need help. And it’s about a God laying in a manger, waiting for that day when he would die on a cross for sinners like you and me, so that we could taste the glory of his grac...2019-12-2523 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah's Song - AudioThe Birth of John the Baptist and Zechariah's Song Luke 1:57-80 2019-12-2235 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThings Change - AudioFirst a leper, then a paralytic, and now a tax collector! Jesus calls Levi to be a disciple and Levi responds by throwing a party. For him everything has changed, and he wants everyone to know; he wants everyone to meet Jesus. But the Pharisees get a little upset with Jesus for spending time with tax collectors and sinners. He was going to parties and taking his disciples with him. Worst of all he was calling it ministry and the Pharisees didn’t like it. This was not the way a godly man should act. Jesus responds with a couple of...2019-12-0841 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchI am the Lord's Servant - AudioLast week we saw that after 400 years of silence God spoke again to announce the birth of John. But he was only coming to prepare for one who was greater, Jesus. Today we see the announcement of his birth. For Mary this must have been a moment of great joy, she was to give birth to the long awaited Messiah. However this was not without cost for Mary. Nevertheless Mary accepts her role as she declares, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." As she does she sets us a great example of...2019-12-0835 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchJesus Changes Lives - AudioJesus changes lives, and we see two examples in this passage. Here, Jesus heals a man full of leprosy; not only that, but he reaches out and touches him, like he touches all who are unclean. Jesus also heals a paralytic and forgives him of his sin. The religious people question Jesus and accuse him of blasphemy. They just don’t get it: Jesus is claiming and proving himself to be the forgiver of sins. Jesus is the one who cleanses us from our filth; Jesus is the one who forgives our sin, and Jesus is the one who saves us...2019-12-0141 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchLiving in the Gap - AudioThis week we begin our series leading up to Christmas. Luke write to help us be certain of the events of Jesus life. He begins by telling us about the events that led to John the Baptist's birth. This marks the beginning of God acting decisively in history after 400 years of silence. The last time He spoke was through the prophet Malachi. Now God raises up a new prophet to prepare the way for God's Son. But this is not just a story of God's momentous actions in history. We also see Him caring for two very specific people, Zechariah...2019-12-0133 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchCaptured Alive - AudioLuke 5: 1-11 Jono Deenick Tonight as Jesus continues his ministry drawing large crowds to hear the word of God He begins a new stage. For the first time we see Him calling particular followers. Men who will be trained by Jesus to walk in His footsteps - disciples. He calls them to 'fishing for people', but as He does that, He reveals what it will look like to carry out that fishing work, a work we continue to this day.2019-11-2430 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWhy Reformed? (Part 3) (AM Service) - Audio2 Peter 3:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Bill Berends What is our hope for the future? What can we expect at our Lord's return?2019-11-2434 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchA Day in the Life of Jesus - AudioIn the verses of today’s passage, Luke gives us a picture of a typical day in the life of Jesus. As Jesus again teaches in a synagogue, this time in Capernaum, we get an enthusiastic and amazed response from the people which stands in stark contrast to his being kicked out of Nazareth. In this typical day we see a balance of three parts that reveals Jesus’ authority with the word, authority over demons and authority over disease. This range of power and authority embodies all that he read to the people from the scroll of Isaiah. What we need...2019-11-1737 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWhy Reformed? (Part 2) (AM Service) - AudioThe message seeks to show the importance of maintaining, teaching and defending sound doctrine for the health of the church. Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 1:13-14 2019-11-1734 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWhy Reject Good News? - AudioAs Jesus begins his ministry people are astounded by the message he brings. He declares that all the promises of God, spoken by the prophets, are being fulfilled in his ministry. This is great news, and yet it is not accepted by all. Some who knew Jesus growing up find it hard to hear his message. Why is that? And how can it help us as we live as his disciples in this world? Luke 4: 14-30 Pastor: Jono Deenick 2019-11-1034 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWhy Reformed (AM Service) - AudioThe message will look at why our churches were named "Reformed" at the time of the Reformation, and encourage us to worship God as he desires. Bible Passage: Exodus 32:1-8; John 4:19-24 2019-11-1045 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Temptation of Christ (PM Service) - AudioWe continue our journey through Luke this week and look at the last piece of preparation before Jesus begins his major ministry starting in the Galilee. Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit after his baptism, is lead into the desert for forty days fasting, and then temptation by Satan. There are several themes to this passage. Jesus is the absolutely obedient Son of God. He succeeds in completely deflecting Satan’s temptations where others like Adam and the nation of Israel have failed. He rebuts three devious but severe attacks from Satan by staying faithful and using scriptures from Deuteronomy. Je...2019-11-0333 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchLiving in the Light of God's Promises - AudioLast week we saw God making promises to Abram. Promises that will shape the rest of the Bible all the way to Jesus, the one through whom God would bless the whole world. They must have seemed distant promises, for Abram and his wife Sarai had no children and they were asked to leave their homes and travel to a land that they didn't know. Abram has believed God so far, but how will he go when famine hits the land? This week we see faith tested, God's gracious restoration of His chosen servant and look at the glorious reality...2019-11-0330 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchJesus, God and human - AudioAs we continue our journey through Luke this week we come to the somewhat odd occurrence of Jesus' baptism. Why, after all, would Jesus need to undergo a 'baptism of repentance?' Luke follows Jesus' baptism with a genealogy that traces his lineage all the way back to Adam, and God. We are also told that this was the beginning of Jesus' ministry. As Luke puts all of these details together, he is preparing us for his description of that ministry. A ministry that is not that of a mere human, but mysteriously nor is it God walking the earth...2019-10-2733 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe God of Promises (AM Service) - AudioThe focus of Genesis now shifts from the whole human race to a single man, Abram. The rest of the OT is about Abram and his descendants. Rather than wiping out the world again, as he did in the days of Noah, God makes a promise in the face of the world’s sinfulness to bless it. God makes a promise that he will act for the world’s sake through this man named Abram, giving seven great promises of the things he would do. Though God picks a childless couple, a hopeless family, to further his wonderful plans, they must...2019-10-2731 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Need For Repentance (PM Service) - AudioIn these verses from Luke we meet John the Baptist as he comes out of the desert and begins preaching his message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John was not a smooth, smiling preacher who gave a soft message. He was a blunt and confrontational preacher who pulled no punches as he brought a message of coming wrath. Today, that kind of preaching about sin and wrath would anger many today. John warned people not to rely on their spiritual descent as the chosen people. John attacks this idea and demands repentance matched by moral reform. It was...2019-10-2039 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Best Laid Plans... (AM Service) - AudioIn our journey through Genesis, we come this week to the account of Babel. It is an event that helps us undertand our world with its myriad languages and cultures, but it does far more than that. It gives us insight into our human tendency to ‘make a name for ourselves’ often by rejecting what God has told us to do. The events at Babel highlight the futility of living life that way, but that is not the end of the story. As we look forward in the Bible to the day when God begins to undo what happened at Babe...2019-10-2034 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGrowing Up With Jesus (PM Service) - AudioIn Luke 2:41-52 we have a segment of Jesus life that we don't see anywhere else. Matthew and Luke both report on what happened around Jesus' birth and, of course, all of the gospels tell us about Jesus ministry but this is the only place we read about Jesus as a boy. Here we get an insight into what it meant for Jesus to grow up. It's a somewhat odd thing to think about because He is also God and yet, it is helpful for us as we think about what it means to grow up in the faith as...2019-10-1332 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchNever Again (AM Service) - AudioComing out of the Ark, Noah worships God for his saving work. God then blesses this ‘new’ humanity, paralleling the original commissioning of Adam and Eve. The Lord then establishes a covenant with Noah and all living creatures for all times. This recreation is looking good...but...sin is still a reality. In spite of Noah being described as a righteous man in his generation we sense from Noah’s failure that sin is still very much alive. If God has promised to never again send a cleansing flood, what is the ultimate solution? Bible Passage: Genesis 8:20-9:29 Pastor: Jim de Wit 2019-10-1344 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchJesus is Worth Waiting For (PM Service) - AudioThe action in our text takes place at the Temple in Jerusalem. At the centre of the action is a child, the long-awaited Saviour of the world. Here we meet Simeon and Anna whose lives are marked by that of expectation, anticipation, and waiting. We all know what it’s like to wait – waiting for life to change, for the grief to go away, for a prayer to be answered, for forgiveness and reconciliation, for clarity about a decision, for meaning and purpose, for healing and new life. We wait and hope for all sorts of things. There is much we c...2019-10-0638 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGod of Renewal (AM Service) - AudioLast week we began looking at the account of Noah and asked, 'how such terrible destruction was justified?' We also learnt from Noah's example of faith. This week we will try to answer some of the difficult questions that the flood raises but, more importantly, we will also look at God renewing His creation. The flood was a bit like a 'reset' button. However, it doesn't resolve the problem of sin. It dealt with it, but only in a temporary way. This helps us to think about how we deal with sin, and encourages us with the better solution...2019-10-0639 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchA Sure Salvation - AudioMany Christians struggle with assurance of salvation, usually because they are looking too much at themselves and their failures and not enough at what Christ has done on their behalf. God wants us to be sure of being saved, so that we can live our lives in joy and peace, eagerly looking forward to our glorification. If God is the one who saves us, what or who could possibly undo God’s work? Bible Passage: Romans 8:33-39 Pastor: Ryan Hemelaar 2019-09-2928 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchNo Second-Hand News - AudioToday we start our travels with Luke as he meets people who actually knew Jesus. He met and interviewed people like Mary, Elizabeth, Zechariah and many others over the years. Luke himself said he ‘carefully investigated everything from the beginning’ indicating he searched out many sources and compared their accounts before writing. He wasn’t interested in passing on rumours or second-hand stories. He offered a factual, carefully researched study of the life of Jesus. Why? So we may know the certainty of the things we have been taught. Jesus did live; Jesus did teach and perform miracles; Jesus did die an...2019-09-2229 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchLife With God - AudioIn Exodus 23 God finished giving commands to His people and then made promises regarding the Land He would give them and told them how He would do it. Here in Exodus 24 the people promise to do 'everything the Lord has said.' Moses and some others even enjoy a meal with God to celebrate the covenant God has made with Israel. This is the closest His people have come to living with Him. However, it is clear that there is still a barrier. Even after their pledge to live God's way only some can approach God, and only Moses can...2019-09-1532 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchLittle By Little - AudioGod has rescued a people out of slavery to be in relationship with him, to be his very own. He has led them, fed them and rescued them from danger. He has put up with their grumbling and complaining. He has revealed himself to them, communicating to them his character and nature. He has given them clear instructions for life within the community of God’s people. Now he is making them promises. He is going to lead them through the wilderness and bring them into a land he has promised to give them. He is promising victory to them. He...2019-09-0837 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchCostly Justice - AudioWe all love justice. We love it when we experience it and we love to see it done in cases around us. But do we always act justly? Sometimes being just, or making sure justice is done can be costly. It means making sure we speak the truth about others. It means not siding with the crowd, or being driven by pity rather than truth. And, at the deepest level, it means doing good to those who dislike you or whom you dislike. These are the sorts of things God reveals to us in Ex 23. Join us as we think...2019-08-2532 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGod’s Laws for Murder and Injury - AudioOnce again we are looking at a passage of scripture that is “jarring” or very much in your face”. In the eyes of many non-believers in modern society these verses are out of touch with modern justice, and show that God is “spiteful”. These verses need to be studied in their historical and cultural context. Only then can we understand the purpose of a loving God to give a set of practical laws that can be applied to his newly chosen people now taken to the Sinai. All of his people were governed by these laws, and some of the concepts a...2019-08-1138 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGrumbling at God - AudioGod has just brought the people through the red sea, saving them from Pharaoh and his chariots. They have been saved, they believed, and they worshiped. What comes next? The answer, like that for the Christian, is sanctification; the long hard process of being conformed to the holiness of God. They had left Egypt, making a decisive break with sin, but the process of change still had to be undertaken. The wilderness was a hard place, but it is also the place they meet with God, and learned to trust God completely before they entered the Promised Land. There is...2019-06-0938 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWhat Do You Mean 'Born Again'? - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-3040 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchNo Child Left Behind - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-2323 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchOut of Egypt - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-2330 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Man of Prayer is the Man of God - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-1639 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchGod's Glory - Our Joy - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-1638 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchFoot in Mouth - Mind Your Speech - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-0928 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchBe Useful to the Lord - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-0929 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchKept #2 - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-0232 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchRest in God - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-07-0235 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchJesus' Teachings on Divorce - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-06-2534 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchKept #1 - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-06-2530 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchREVIEW - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-06-1837 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchUngodliness is Not a Virtue - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-06-1826 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWho's in and who's out? - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-06-1133 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Lord is my Shepherd - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-05-2824 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchA Meaningless Life = A Meaningless Death - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-05-2128 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Legacy of Mothers and Grandmothers - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-05-1431 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchWisdom - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-05-0734 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchCalled - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-04-3026 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchPleasure is Meaningless - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-02-2627 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchThe Search for Meaning - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-02-1934 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchStewardship of Relationships - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-02-1232 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchRest - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-02-1233 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchStewardship of Money - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-02-0532 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchHonour - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-02-0531 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchStewardship of Talents - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-01-2929 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchImage - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-01-2929 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchExclusive - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2017-01-2225 min

Redlands Christian Reformed ChurchChurch: Outward Bound - AudioRedlands Christian Reformed Church are a community of people, of all ages and cultural backgrounds, that come together in the Redlands. Our common link is Jesus Christ and our desire is to worship God and help others in their relationship with God.2011-02-1327 min