It was Tim Keller, on "Reality: Forgive Us Our Debts". I am rather certain, it is because of Tim Keller, and perhaps only because of him, that Redeemer holds its orthodox reputation.
The second orthodox pastor at Redeemer, is Bijan Mirtolooi, I'll have to say. The rest of the pastors, unfortunately, are mixing too much of extra-biblical stuff into their theology, in spite of proper seminary training some of them came from.
Today, I couldn't believe what I read in the Reflection page of the service bulletin. Was it David Bisgrove (who's listed in Preparation) who posted that:
The simple fact is that as soon as you accept yourself exactly as you are - then all these character flaws: anger, selfishness, stress, aggressiveness, dependence - begin to fall away, for these 'flaws' have their only existence in non-acceptance, in self-hate.
Student: What if I want to do something that is harmful?
Guide: Your question comes from a belief that you are inherently bad, and that if you don't control yourself, you will do bad things. But bad things don't happen from lack of self-control, but only because you don't realize your goodness. When you realize you are goodness, and let yourself live from that, you will not want to do harmful things.
~ Cherie (Cheri?) Huber.
When I first read this, I felt funny. Then it sounded like the kind of things I've been learning from my Chinese Philosophy class this semester. Student asks, Guide responses. I also recall lots of Bisgrove's theology sounded like Buddhism, though not as severe as Scott Sauls. Then, after looking up Cheri Huber, if it is the right person, I realized I hit the jackpot. She is a Zen teacher! Are you kidding me?!? And I thought someone promoting Yoga in the Redeemer Newsletters a couple months ago was bad.
I underlined words in the quote as the original posting in the bulletin did. Though I am unaware of the point of it. The other quote was by Ernest Becker, which was not as bad. It seems that Redeemer staffs love to promote non-Christian materials to show off their open minded Christianity. There is a way to do this, but not the way they go about it.
Just to comment on the quote a little bit: We are not "goodness", but sinners. That's it. That's enough to debunk these Arminians or worse - Buddhism admirers, in disguise.
Nonetheless, Keller's sermon made me think a lot on my sins that I do need to truly repent of. Time management, in particular.
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A couple of marvelous hymns were sung at the service. The King of Love My Shepherd Is, an elaborate work on Psalm 23 by Baker. Below is the complete lyrics, from which Redeemer picked 4.
Second favorite hymn being "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" by Bernard of Clairvaux.
Last but not least, though sung frequently, I have just learned that the doxology: All Ye Who are of Tender Heart, which written by St. Francis of Assisi in his "All Creatures of Our God and King". It has been heavily paraphrased from the original text yet it remains the most popular version in hymns. The tune is based on Genevan Psalter 68 or later known as LASST UNS ERFREUEN.
Also
Hymn: The King of Love My Shepherd Is
Author: H.W. Baker (1868)Composer: J.B. Dykes (1868)
1 The King of love my shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack if I am his, and he is mine forever.
2 Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth;
and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth.
3 Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love he sought me;
and on his shoulder gently laid, and home, rejoicing, brought me.
4 In death's dark vale I fear no ill, with thee, dear Lord, beside me;
thy rod and staff my comfort still, thy cross before to guide me.
5 Thou spreadst a table in my sight; thy unction grace bestoweth;
and oh, what transport of delight from thy pure chalice floweth!
6 And so through all the length of days, thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise within thy house forever.
United Methodist Hymnal, 1989
Hymn: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Author: Bernard of Clairvaux (1091-1153)
Translator: James W. Alexander (1804-1859)
Composer: Hans Leo Hassler (1601)
Redeemer's version
Doxology:
All ye who are of tender heart, Forgiving others take your part. Sing his praises, Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, Praise God and on him cast your care!
O praise him! O praise him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Let all things their creator bless, And worship him with humbleness! O praise him, Alleluia!
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, And praise the Spirit, Three in One,
O praise him! O praise him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!