Pastor’s Corner August 2009

The following was published in our monthly newsletter, the Redeemer Report.

It is important to periodically and intentionally be reminded of what God has called us to as a church. Our specific calling is shaped by the commission the Lord Jesus gave us through his disciples shortly before ascending into heaven to take His place at God’s right hand. Jesus gloriously empowers the church with these words-

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:18-20

The purpose of creation is to render praise to the Creator. Very personally, God is redeeming a people for Himself who will give Him the praise due His name. The way God’s glory is magnified and His worship multiplied is by the Church living out the discipleship mandate given by King Jesus. This command to “make disciples” for the glory of God is what drives Redeemer. The Apostle Paul wrote a purpose statement of sorts in Colossians that closely aligns with the commission of Christ-

“Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.  For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” – Colossians 1:28-29

Discipleship is the process of maturing in Christ. At the core of discipleship is a right understanding of the gospel which is constantly considered and cherished. We never get beyond the application of the gospel in our lives but rather it is a wonder to be studied for eternity. That God would take away our sins by Christ taking them upon Himself all the way to the cross thereby giving His righteousness to us by faith is a staggering, exhilarating marvel that never stops renewing us. The commission of Christ doesn’t stop with basking in the warmth of our initial salvation, but rather the call to disciple means “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This is certainly an all- consuming, life-long endeavor, individually and corporately as a church.

So, all that Redeemer does is intended to bring glory to God typified by our times of corporate worship and praise. There are three ongoing areas of ministry that seek to bolster the discipleship and of every member so that we might give God the worship He deserves:

1. Community- We are a community (a family!) of
redeemed sinners called to live life together for God’s
Glory.
2. The Bible- We have been given God’s holy, inspired,
inerrant, authoritative, and sufficient Word to be our rule
and guide for faith and life.
3. Proclamation of the Gospel- We have been redeemed to
bring God glory and tell of His redemption by what we say
and do toward everyone we meet.

None of these areas can be forsaken; all must be included to live out the mission and vision God has given to our church. As you consider the activities and ministries we have as a church, please understand they are all part of this larger effort to be faithful to God’s special calling for Redeemer. It is my prayer that every member of our church faithfully steward the gifts God has given them so that we may clearly reflect our collective calling.

The Mission of Redeemer
Redeemer is a community of Christians who love to
worship their God, study His Word, and
proclaim His Gospel to the world.

The Vision of Redeemer
Redeemer strives, by God’s grace to be a center for the
worship of God in our community
and a training ground for disciples of Jesus Christ.

In the Lamb,
Pastor Tony Felich