From now on, I shall add new Redeemer Service summary under this thread.
07-12-2015 9:30AM
W83
Reflection:
We believe that Christ is not enough...So, just to be safe, we spread our trust between the true God and various idols...It doesn't seem so bad because we haven't actually renounce Christ, but this compromised trust is equivalent to turning away from God. ~ Edward T. Welch, Motives: Why do I do the Things I do?
Preparation - Rev. David Bisgrove
Hymn - Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Words by Joachim Neander, 1680; from Psalm 103 (We were late so I missed this Neanderthal hymn).Music by Stralsund Gesangbuch, 1665
Words of Encouragement - Hebrews 9:15
Hymn - My Hope is Built on Nothing Less
Words by Edward Mote, 1834
Music by Dmitri Bortinansky, 1825
Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 18:16-39
Sermon - Confrontation on Mount Carmel - Rev. Michael Keller
Second sermon is series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
I do not remember much from the sermon except that Rev. Michael Keller was rather direct, contrasting other Redeemer preachers this time, regarding some hurting truth.
Distribution of the Bread
Hymn: O Sacred Head, Now Wounded
Words by Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091-1153
Music by Hans Leo Hassler, 1601 arr. J.S. Bach, 1729
Distribution of the Cup
Hymn: When I survey the Wondrous Cross
Words by Isaac Watts, 1707
Music by Lowell Mason, 1824
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07-19-2015 11:30AM
W83
Preparation - Rev. Jeff White
Hymn - O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
Words by Charles Wesley, 1739
Music by Carl G. Glaser, 1784-1829
Words of Encouragement - Galatians 5:1
Hymn - In Christ there is No East or West
Words by John Oxenham
Music by Alexander Reinagle, 1836
Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 19:1-18
Sermon - "The Still, Small Voice" - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi
Third sermon in series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
Hymn - My Faith has Found a Resting Place
Words by Lidie H. Edmunds, 1891
Music by Andre Gretry, 1741-1831
07-26-2015
East side 10:30AM
Worship Leader - Rev. Aaron Bjerke
Hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy
Words by Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
Music by John B. Dykes, 1861
Song of Renewal: Holy Spirit by Stuart Townend/Keith Getty
Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
Words by Frederick C. Atkinson, 1870
Music by George Croly, 1854
The Peace of God - Rom 8:39
Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 19:15-21; 2 Kings 2:9-15
Sermon - The call of Elisha - Rev. Edward Sirya
Fourth sermon in series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
I did not get most of what Rev. Sirya was talking about, except that it seems that he was trying to talk about a calling for every Christians. After that, he was reciting the verses as if he had intended/forgotten to do an expository preaching.
I've made note of some key verses for my own study:
1Kings 19:20...Elijah replied. "what have I done to you?" - While Sirya said he does not know what that means, I've noted many commentators interpret it as Elijah telling Elisha: I have no business stopping you.
v. 21: ...He [Elisha] burned the plowing equipment to cook... Relinquish all things.
2Kings 2:10: ... otherwise, it will not. This is a sign of God's approval, not a condition for Elisha.
v. 12: ...My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel! Elijah was better than chariots and horsemen.
v. 12: ...Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. Lament of loss
v. 14: ...Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah? Divine confirmation of the passing of Elijah's mantle
Hymn: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah
Words by William Williams, 1745
Music by John Hughes, 1907
08/09/2015
W83 5:00PM
Reflection: George Herbert's Sting of Death's poem compared with 1 Corinthians 15:55
Prelude - You Know I care - Duke Pearson
Preparation - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi
Song of Praise - God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory
Words by David Clowney, 1960
Music by Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824
Call to Worship - Psalm 19
Songs of Praise - Indescribable
by Laura Story
For the Beauty of the Earth
Words by Folliott Pierpoint, 1864
Music by Conrad Kocher, 1838
Prayer of Adoration (Concluded by the Lord's Prayer)
Prayer of Confession
Private Confession
Confessional Response - You are for Me
by Kari Jobe
Words of Encouragement - Job 19:25-27
Song of Praise - He Knows My Name
By Tommy Walker
Announcements
Scripture Reading - 2 Kings 4:27-37
Sermon - Life for the Dead - Rev. Michael Keller
Sixth sermon in series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
Keller: The women are often looked down, yet they are those whom angels visit first. They care about things more than men ~ I think that's what Keller was implying when he talked about verse 19.
Offertory - Lifeline - Jon Cowherd
Final Song - And Can it Be
Words by Charles Wesley, 1738
Music by Bob Kauflin
Benediction
Postlude - Sticks - Cannonball Adderley
08/16/2015
W83, 11:30AM
Reflection:
If you yield yourself up to the divine working, the Lord will alter your nature. ~ Charles Spurgeon
How else but through a broken heart may Lord Christ enter in? ~ Oscar Wilde
Prelude - Sonata in B-flat Major, K.358 - W. A. Mozart, I. Allegro
Preparation - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi
Praise Hymn - O Worship the King
Words by Robert Grant, 1833
Music by John Michael Haydn, 1815
Call to Worship - from Psalm 95
Prayer of Adoration (Concluded by the Lord's Prayer)
Doxology
Silent Praise and Thanksgiving
Scripture Reading - Isaiah 53:5-9
Prayer of Confession
Private Confession
Confessional Response - Rock of Ages
Words by Augustus M. Toplady, 1776
Music by James Ward
Words of Encouragement - Psalm 32:1,5
Commitment - Prayers of the People
Hymn - O Savior, Precious Savior
Words by Frances R. Havergal, 1870
Music by Welsh hymn melody
Announcements
Scripture Reading - 2 Kings 5:1-15
Sermon - Cleansing for the Leper (1) - Rev. Michael Keller
Seventh sermon in series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
I've recited this a while back at CCCNY. It was my first reading on the pulpit. I remember how much I prepared for it. I could imagine the effort I put, was like a preacher preparing for a sermon. This is just for a reading, how much more for a sermon. My reading note was filled with signs and notes, like the dynamics in a music score. Rev. Chong was preaching then. It was a great sermon.
The reader (What's his name) at Redeemer this time, had trouble with his memorization from time to time, perhaps due to the longer passage this time, during his usual recite from memory style of reading.
Summary of Keller's message: I understood but was a bit confused with Keller's insider/outsider analogy. The clearer part of his sermon, I conclude this way: Grace is free for all (not just the higher classes), but not cheap at all.
Keller also noted that those who sign up for facebook, linkedin, etc. without realizing the disclaimers required to be agreed are permission to sell one's information for billions of dollars, are just being too naive. The point being - nothing is free in secular culture.
v.13 Keller: If it is a great task, many heroes would dare to face the challenge. What then an easy thing such as "wash and be cleansed".
Keller also dissed Eastern Meditation when he spoke about all other religions talk about having to do things certain ways - work salvation. It reminds me of a Redeemer member (Indian lady doctor, I think) who said that the Holy Spirit could use Eastern Meditation to help us - Perhaps Keller saw that and finally got a chance to publicly denounced her statement, subtly.
My own take on the passage:
Naaman's noble character is telling from his servants' care of him. However, like many, he treated God, religion, as something manipulated by men: Kings could command God, money could please God. However, it is a known revelation, in Romans 1:19, that Naaman knew who God actually is. And the proof was clarified at the end of this passage, that out of Naaman's mouth: "Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel". Because God is not commanded (v. 11...I thought he would....call...wave his hand...cure my leprosy), God commands and we obey.
Offertory - Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 358 - W.A. Mozart
II. Adagio.
Hymn - Like a River Glorious
Words by Frances Havergal, 1874
Music by James Mountain, 1876
Benediction
Dismissal
Minister: Let us go forth to serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
All: Thanks be to God!
Postlude - Sonata in B-flat Major, K. 358 - W. A. Mozart
III. Molto presto
August 23 2015
W83 11:30AM
Reflection: (I have to copy the reflections here because they connect to the topic of today's sermon more than David Kim did)
One of the most dynamic aspects of the turn to hope in exilic life was the renewal of Israel's sense of being a people of mission. Exile brought about a renewed sense that Israel had a role to play among the nations of the world in declaring the supremacy of Yahweh. ~ Theologian Lee Beach, The Church in Exile: Living in Hope After Christendom.
The will of God ocnerns the present more than the future; it deals with our motives as well as our actions; it focuses on the little decisions we make every day even more than the big decisions we make about the future. ~ Historian Jerry L. Sittser, The Will of God as a Way of Life.
Prelude - String Quartet in D Major, K. 575 - W. A. Mozart
I. Allegretto
Preparation - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi
Praise
Hymn - Come, Thou Fount of Ev'ry Blessing
Words by Robert Robinson, 1758
Music by Asahel Nettleton, 1825
Call to Worship - from Psalm 103
Confessional Response: God of Grace by Keith Getty/Jonathan Rea
Words of Encouragement - Ephesians 3:16-18
Commitment - Prayers of the People
Hymn: Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts
Words by Benard of Clairvaux, 12th Century
Music by Brian T. Murphy, 2003
Scripture Reading - 2 Kings 5:15-27
Sermon - Cleansing for the Leper (2) - Rev. David Kim
Eight sermon in the series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
Rumination:
It is interesting to note that Elisha and Gehazi both chose the phrase "As surely as the Lord Lives" (v. 16 & v. 20). It should be apparent that Gehazi deeply believed Naaman owe Israel much. First it was the servant girl raided by the Syrians/Arameans (v.2), then there's a matter of payment for curing a great disease. However, by lying to Naaman (v. 22), it shows that Gehazi knew he couldn't justify himself without fault. Though we sometimes convinced of our right, there's always this conscience that corrects us, but allowing us to go deeper into sin should we choose so.
Rev. Kim seems to be focusing on God's love, or love. Hence off topic. By trying to make it topical rather than expository, Kim bent certain meaning of the verses: "Naaman wants to make Elisha the richest guy in the world", "Naaman wants to let everyone know by bringing the earth home that he worships the one true God of Israel", etc. All of which are not correct: Elisha didn't refuse money, Elisha wants Naaman to know that God needs nothing. Rewarding God/God's servant, for doing God's works belongs to God right, not Naaman. And Naaman did not want his king to find out about his one God worship, why would he want to publicize it? I'm sure, Kim's intention is to make all things look positive, which is risky business. He did carelessly swap the names of Naaman and Gehazi a few times, but I am not going to hold him to that, since it's as I call it - careless mistakes.
Offertory - Three Idylls for String Quartet, No. 2 - Frank Bridge
Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Words by Charles Wesley, 1747
Music by John Zundel, 1870
Postlude - String Quartet in D Major, K. 575 - W. A. Mozart
IV. Allegretto
August 30 2015
W83, 6:45PM (The last session of 4 on Sundays. Balcony is closed, due to lesser congregants)
Preparation - Rev. Eric Lipscomb
On the Jazz songs: I feel dissonance most of the time with this style of music @ Redeemer. However, I do admire the accuracy the lead singers sing to the scores. Or perhaps they have had lots of practise.
Words of Encouragement: Hebrews 9:27-28
Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23
Sermon - Sight for the Blind - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi
Ninth sermon in series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
As always, Rev. Bijan delivers clear expository preaching. Comparing the unseen chariots of fire to the [more than] 12 legions of angels Jesus could have summoned at His crucifixion.
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September 06 2015
East Side Congregation
The 15th Sunday after Pentecost
10:30 A.M.
Reflection: The Christian says, "Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists....help others to do the same" ~ C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, on proving a sort of desire built for the other world.
Prelude - Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 167 - Camille Saint-Saens
Allegretto
Preparation - Joseph Yu
Call to Worship from Psalm 84
Hymn: Open Now Thy Gates of Beauty
Words by Benjamin Schmolck, 1732
Music by Joachim Neander, 1680
Words of Encouragement - Psalm 130:3-4
Song of Renewal: God of Grace by Keith Getty/Jonathan Rea
Hymn: Be Still My Soul
Words by Katharina von Schlegel, 1752
Music by Jean Sibelius, 1899
The peace of God: 2 Corinthians 5:21
Scripture Reading - 2 Kings 8:1-6, John 14:1-4
Sermon - Longing for Home - Rev. Edward Sirya
10th sermon in series: Faith in an Age of Unbelief: Elijah and Elisha
A very anthropocentric sermon. There's not much stress on God's kingdom. The most part was about the differences between the words "Home" and "House". As if someone tries to elaborate something out of the fortune cookies. On the other hand, I noticed and wondered if Gehazi repented...given Chapter 5:27 or was it something else. The other note is the unnamed king being possibly Joram, who was previously confronted by Naaman.
Offertory - Sonata for Clarinet and Piano - Felix Mendelssohn
Andante
Hymn: Like a River Glorious
Words by Frances Havergal, 1874
James Mountain, 1876
Postlude - Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 167 - Camille Saint-Saens
Allegro animato
W83 11:30AM
September 13 2015
Scripture Reading: Luke 1:1-4, 24:25-32
Sermon by Dr. Timothy Keller: The Bible and History
First sermon in series: What We Believe: Foundations
Here, for the rare moments, Dr. Keller rebuked the liberals, but in his usual tone. He described the those who run away from God, from certain restrains, and come to New York City.
I have wondered, in Luke 24:30, whether the Lord partook in the meal. Since, in Luke 22:16-18, our Lord declared that he would neither eat nor drink until the fulfillment of the Kingdom. I gather it is not likely so. That is, the Lord did not eat the bread. It could be the same controversy as whether Jesus ate at the last supper or not. Which I am inclined to believe He did.
September 20 2015
East Side 10:30AM
Preparation by Rev. Edward Sirya
If it was Rev. Sirya, his reflection quotes are impressive today, given the level I had placed him. 3 quotes from Augustine, Rebecca Pippert & J.I. Packer.
Augustine: I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are very wise and very beautiful; but I never read in either of them "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden."
Rebecca Pippert: Whatever controls us is really our god ... The one who seeks power is controlled by power. The one who seeks acceptance is controlled by the people he or she wants to please. We do not control ourselves. We are controlled by the lord of our life...
Packer: The Word which God addresses directly to us is an instrument not only of government but also of fellowship. He made us with the intention that we might walk together forever in a love relationship. But such a relationship can exist only when the parties know something of each other. God, our Maker, knows all about us before we say anything; but we can know nothing of him unless he tells us. Therefore, God sends his Word ... to woo us as well as to instruct us.
Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 1:12-21
Sermon - The Bible and Experience - Dr. Timothy Keller
Second sermon in series: What We Believe: Foundations
Today I came across Rev. Lin at CCCNY while delivering the water. I told her that Nadia and I will be going Hunter College hoping for Dr. Keller's preaching. I couldn't tell if she chuckled or snickered. But I listed 3 worthy preachers at Redeemer to her. The Kellers and Bijan, whom she took more interest in due to his middle-eastern identity. Actually Rev. Bisgrove does seem quite promising recently due to his switch to expository preaching which I hope will last. We may differ in the concept of church hopping, where I emphasis on the need to seek after proper sermon in addition to not following the fad. Anyway, I later thought of a good verse, which we recently covered: Jesus said: The sheep follows the voice of the Lord, for they know the voice of the good Shepherd (John 10). Hence, it is necessary, when one finds a better sermon to go to, that one should seek after it.
This is the second time Dr. Keller applied harsher message. He did try to make it sound not harsh as possible. Nonetheless, he did call us fools (By induction - You call your younger self fool, hence the 200 year old you would call the 80 year old you a fool as well).
An important message in this passage is the the inerrancy of the Bible. Which I was not aware much. The nitpicking opponents would fight for the meaning of the word "prophecy". But the entire passage testifies against them.
I will sometimes reduce my log to just my reflection on the sermons.
W83 I forgot if I went to the 9:30 or 11:30 AM.
09/27/2015
Scripture Reading - Hebrews 1:1-4; 4:6-13
Sermon - The Bible and Finality - Dr. Timothy Keller
Third sermon in series: What We Believe: Foundations
One of the few great sermons by Keller, this is one which Keller attacks (nicely) the liberal scholars who said the Bible supports polygamy and slavery. "The OT records...polygamy", said Keller. Indenture Servitude is mentioned for slavery - equivalent of today's debt laws. Those who read these otherwise don't know how to read.
All Keller's words. Some of which he quoted from some sources. I merely summarize what I believe is where Keller stands.
East Side 10:30AM
11/01/2015
Scripture Reading - Ephesians 1:3-10
Sermon - Salvation - Rev. Abraham Cho
Eighth sermon in series: What We Believe: Foundations
Cho avoided doctrine of election by stating that "it isn't meant to cause controversy". he lost me at that murky statement. I'm often baffled by him when he does something like this. It is clear that Cho had deep theological training, however, his somewhat dichotomy between academic and practical theology is disturbing. It is easy to differentiate Keller (and a minor few others) from the rest in preaching: one preaches Christ as central, the other preaches love/peace as central, everything else is just rhetoric. In the latter case, Christ is only mentioned to support the preacher's Christian faith while all the attention on love, peace, humility has no real substance. Cho's usual style of preaching is similar to a guy sweet talking on a date.
That being said. My own study during the sermon:
The passage is a praise to God the Father chiefly.
This passage is definitely firm on predestination. v5 showed us the cause of election is love.
One could certainly go to the layman version of infra/supra-lapsarianism in this study.
The adoption to sonship through Christ is an important one.
V.7, redemption is only through the blood of Christ. That and the forgiveness of sins are exclusively found in the ONE the Father loves.
All the above deserve praise. All the above display the riches of God's grace.
The last part has to do with mystery, involving all wisdom and understanding. How God can both be just and merciful in Christ Jesus is the mystery made known!
11/08/2015
W83 11:30AM
Praise Hymn - Rejoice, the Lord is King
Words: E. Margaret Clarkson, 1957
Music: John Darwall, 1770
Renewal Hymn - Come to Me, All You Who Are Weary
by Jon Werking
Commitment Hymn: Be Still, My Soul
Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752
Jean Sibelius, 1899
Scripture Reading - John 14:15-26
Sermon - The Holy Spirit - Rev. David Bisgrove
Ninth sermon in series: What We Believe: Foundations
John 14 is the most important verse on the Holy Spirit.
Bisgrove does not sweet talk the congregation as Abraham Cho does. The problem is sometimes he gets off topic.
In this passage, our Lord 3 times mentioned "keep my commands" v.15, "whoever has my commands and keeps them" v.21, "...will obey my teaching [logos]" v.23, this crucial importance has somehow been avoided by Bisgrove. The slightest mention it is towards the end, when he gave the example of asking (command) his daughter to wave goodbye at him. The rest of the sermon dwells on some kind of lost, feeling something missing, not feeling at home in this world, etc. That the Holy Spirit brings us back to Jesus.
Then there's another reminder by Bisgrove about not criticizing others. Well, this is itself, a form of criticism: criticizing the criticizers.
v.23 does allude us to a "home" - "we will come to them and make our home with them". But it is important to stress this comes after "those who obey my teaching".
Bisgrove briefly alluded to the Charismatic's belief of the Holy Spirit, and he played the neutral stand. That he would not judge how others claim the Holy Spirit inspired them. I would have to ask: even if the claim is beyond or against what the Bible teaches?
Finally, Bisgrove mentioned that it's not us, as if we shouldn't do our best, but all on Jesus. This would have had some credit if it is not pertaining to this passage. But when this passage comes to mind, it is better to say: Whatever we do for God, it is the power of the Holy Spirit affecting us, guiding us, etc. The Holy Spirit teaches us (very important, but not mentioned), remind us of everything THE BIBLE SAYS (Yes, I know, the quote says "everything I have said to you", but it is essentially that). So, this is an active command. Not a passive one! But Redeemer is quite active! Look at the programs! Yes, but when it comes to the Gospel, it becomes rather weak, and such is my point. The deacon testimony today (evangelical lady failed at reaching out, but as a deacon, she found at least 1 good opportunity when someone came to her seeing her deacon badge and asked: Do you know something?) is a positive side of God's blessing upon this church.
Obedience is the proof of love. So no one can say: HOW DO YOU KNOW I DON'T LOVE? Love God, Love you, etc.
The early walk to the service and some jokes/laughter during the sermon reminds me of certain principle which I will post here.
Today, the selections of hymns greatly match the scripture reading. Against those who love to seek after charismatic type miracles from the Holy Spirit - the last hymn: Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart is the best hymn I know against such people. "I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies..."
I must pray for Rev. Bisgrove and the others. May God have mercy upon us.
During the sermon, a young lady (6-7 year old) who stayed with the adult for the sermon appeared a little impatient. I thought to myself, how would the sermon have to go, to include the attention of children. This is a tough one, but one I believe God commands us to ponder and execute. Sending children to children's class is a secondary thing, with the power of the Holy Spirit, rhetoric can be so blessed that all ages are suitable. Hence, with prayer, love and due diligence, I believe it is achievable. This, is the power of the Holy Spirit.
I believe that when the Holy Spirit blesses and works on us, the sign is this: That it will look so much like our own doing, our own achievement, people praising us, etc. This temptation is the "if and only if" case of how we know the Holy Spirit is working in us. No other.
Offertory - Ich folge dir gleichfalls from St. John Passion - J. S. Bach
Hymn - Spirit of God Descend Upon My Heart
Words: Frederick C. Atkinson, 1870
Music: George Croly, 1854
11/22/2015
W83 9:30 AM
Confessional Response:
There is a Redeemer by Melody Green
Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-6; 22:1-5
Sermon - The End of History - Dr. Timothy Keller
Eleventh sermon in series: What We Believe: Foundations
My take from all this: 21:1 - "... there was no longer any sea." because we have the spring of life (v6).
21:3 - God's dwelling place among the people does not conclude that he dwells with them (negation).
The presence of Christ will become uniformly continuous. There is no way we can think of an inch of our lives without Christ's supervision. Our very living existence relies on Him.
22:2 - healing of nations still exist? (from the leaves of the tree of life)
22:5 - No more night - special kind of God given light. (Contrast with God himself as light?)
Keller: Holy City: Not suburb, etc., because we have to connect [fellowship] with people everywhere.
Hymn: Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken
Words by John Newton, 1779
Music by Franz Joseph Haydn, 1797
12/27/2015
W83 5:00PM
Scripture Reading - Luke 19:1-10
Sermon - A Christmas Story - Rev. Bijan Mirtolooi.
Paraphrasing Jonathan Edwards, Mirtolooi said of how we are built to need approval/association from those of high statues. The problem is that in order to associate with us, they must lower themselves to us. Hence, the only person that could and has ever done that is Jesus Christ, as he lowers himself to people like Zacchaeus.
The song leader and scripture reader is Tamra Paselk. Great singing and orthoepy.
01/10/2016
W83 5:00PM
Scripture Reading - Genesis 3:7-24
Sermon - Home from Exile - Rev. David Bisgrove
First sermon in Series: What We Are Receiving: The Gospel Goods
I don't think I can blame much on Bisgrove's sermon. The title is "Home from Exile" after all, with the given scripture reading. Bisgrove briefly mentioned Eve's Offspring as Christ, but too brief.
I would think that since the series is called "What We Are Receiving", "The Gospel Goods", a key gift is what the Lord God made in verse 21. "garments of skin. This is an important precursor to the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
I think we've heard enough about making friends, walking here and there in peace, etc. That kind of sermons just never really seem effective even in their own cause. Only sermons that bring audiences heart to want to worship and praise God in the context of His words are worthy of being called God blessed.
02/14/2016
W83 5:00PM
Scripture Reading - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Also read Hebrews 2, especially 2:9-10)
Sermon - Hope in the Face of Death - Dr. Timothy Keller
Sixth sermon in series: What We Are Receiving: The Gospel Goods
Great sermon from Keller.
Death = Undiscovered Country, Hamlet.
paradoxical death in Christ: Gospel makes death a gardener ~ George Herbert vs. naturally secular, nonchalant view of death.
Read Jonathan Edwards' Heaven, a World of Love.
03/13/2016
West Side Morning
Scripture Reading - John 4:27-42
Sermon - Public Faith - Dr. Timothy Keller
Third sermon in series: Where We are Going: The City and the Mission
in verse 39, Keller noted that the word "testimony" is the root for the word "martyr".
05/08/2016
West Side 5PM
Scripture Reading - Romans 12:9-21
Sermon - Love and Forgiveness - Dr. Timothy Keller
Second sermon in series: What We are Becoming: Transforming Love
Great sermon on forgiveness. Keller's message on immediate forgiveness, without the need of apology from others: Mark 11:25
10/23/2016
W83rd 5PM
Scripture Reading - John 13:12-17
Sermon - Sent to Love - Rev. David Bisgrove
7th Sermon in series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: New Purpose
Notes from Bisgrove:
Indifference = "whatever", best definition so far.
My thoughts:
v.13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord'..." & v.14 "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher...wash one another's feet"
I believe this lesson from the Lord is limited to among those who call Jesus "Lord" and "Teacher". So it excludes non-believers. There must be a distinction between fellowship among believers and evangelical relationship with non-believers. There cannot be fellowship between light and darkness. I would be curious how Bisgrove would interpret 2 Corinthians 6:14 (maybe he would give the analogy of good and evil?)
The attention to Judas' feet were also washed by Jesus is crucial. However, Judas' status is not equivalent to non-believers in general. Judas was part of the 12 and followed Jesus, despite being the son of perdition. So that means in the church, there are those who are false converts, and we do not police them but we love and fellowship with them with caution. Nevertheless, this is not the same as fellowshipping with non-believers.
v.16 "no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him"
If Jesus made himself so lowly as to wash his disciples' feet, so we, his servants and messengers should do likewise for we are no greater than he.
10/30/2016
W83 9:30AM
One of the few times we arrived on time (3 mins before, by car, found rare parking easily about 4 blocks away)
Featuring French Horn solo (Kyle Hoyt) today:
Prelude - Les Adieux by Franz Strauss)
Offertory - I want Jesus to Walk with Me (arr. Boatner), although the wordings "I want Jesus to walk with me" is not theologically accurate. Better be "I want to walk with Jesus".
Postlude - Horn Concerto No. 2 in E-flat Major, KV 417 - W.A. Mozart III. Rondo
Scripture Reading - John 13:18-24
Sermon - The Disciple and the Bible - Rev. David Bisgrove
First sermon in series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: New Identity.
My thoughts: The entire time of the sermon, I've struggled very hard to relate Bisgrove's sermon to the passage. I think the theme of his topic is "Love". Problem with emergent churches is the weak emphasis on repentance but more on confession (usually the social gospel kind). But still, I fail the see the relevance to John 13:18-24.