Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Greetings Redeemer family,

I’m writing this e-mail from the gate at the Charlotte Airport. I had the opportunity this week to attend our denomination’s annual General Assembly in Orlando. It was a truly encouraging opportunity to see how God is at work through our churches across the nation and world. I hope that many of you will join me in thankful prayer asking that God would continue to guide, bless, and use the Presbyterian Church in America to bring His Glorious Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.

This week Pastor Tre’ Smith will begin to lead us in a mini-series on the Person of Christ through four snapshots of His life and ministry. The first week we will study Christ as the Holy Visitor, reflecting on His appearance on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24. One of the hymns this week is a newer song that we began singing last Advent season. The words remind us of the blessings that Christ came to lavish upon His much loved people.

When love came down to earth
And made His home with men,
The hopeless found a hope,
The sinner found a friend.
Not to the powerful
But to the poor He came,
And humble, hungry hearts
Were satisfied again.

What joy, what peace has come to us!
What hope, what help, what love!

When every unclean thought,
And every sinful deed
Was scourged upon His back
And hammered through His feet.
The Innocent is cursed,
The guilty are released;
The punishment of God
On God has brought me peace.

Come lay your heavy load
Down at the Master’s feet;
Your shame will be removed,
Your joy will be complete.
Come crucify your pride,
And enter as a child;
For those who bow down low
He’ll lift up to His side.

Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Thankyou Music

Our corporate confession of faith this week comes from the Heidelberg Catechism. This comes from a portion of the Catechism that breaks down individual pieces of the familiar Apostles’ Creed, adding depth and clarity to those oft-repeated truths. Take a moment before our worship this Sunday and read over these questions and responses, and be reminded of the gift of Christ come to us as Savior and Emmanuel, God with us.

29. Q. Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, Savior?

A. Because He saves us from all our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else.

35. Q. What do you confess when you say: He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary?

A. The eternal Son of God, who is and remains true and eternal God, took upon Himself true human nature from the flesh and blood of the virgin Mary, through the working of the Holy Spirit. Thus He fulfills the Scriptures as the true seed of David, and made like His brothers in every respect, yet without sin.

As we reflect on God’s kindness and the privileges we have as His adopted sons and daughters, it is appropriate to recognize and repent of the ways that we have not lived in light of this amazing grace. Instead, we continue to live with the lies of self-sufficiency that leads to idolatry. Our confession of sin gives words to these realities of our lives, and calls out to God for His cleansing grace to come anew in our hearts.

Father in heaven, we thank you for the freedom you have given us through the life, death and resurrection of your Son. But we confess today that we often live like slaves. Instead of living like you delight in us, we avoid you in shame and guilt. Instead of receiving your favor as a gift, we try to earn it with our efforts. Instead of accepting your freedom, we prefer our chains. Instead of pursuing your purposes, we cling to our short-sighted agendas. Forgive us. Embrace us. Cleanse us. Heal us. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In my time in Orlando, I was reminded again how thankful I am to be serving with you in Lynchburg. I can’t wait to be back with you and worship with you this Sunday. I hope you too are eagerly anticipating our time of fellowship and worship this weekend. And I pray that we will all be confronted yet again by the glorious person of Christ when we come together as His Body the Church.

Grace & peace of Christ be with you all,
Tim Sharpe
Worship Director
Redeemer Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg VA