What are some of the distinguishing marks of a Christian so that we may examine ourselves to determine if we truly know and follow Christ?

In Friday’s sermon, elder Binoi Samuel continues in our series on 1 Thessalonians by preaching “Walk in Hope” from 1 Thessalonians 4:3–18. This passage not only helps us to discern where we stand, but also reminds us of what we have to look forward to — of being like Christ and being with Christ for eternity. Listen and be encouraged to walk in a manner that accords with him who has given all good things.

This week Redeemer elder Binoi Samuel preaches “Genuine Love” from 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:13. In this passage, we see so much of Paul’s genuine love for the Thessalonians, whom he had left behind.

Pastor Binoi points to Paul’s love in this passage as being a love that longs to be with these people, a love that acts and does things — serving and giving, even despite difficulty — and a love that is centered on God, dependent on him. What a thought to love like this!

Last week we were reminded that the greatest joys and the deepest longings we experience all point to Jesus himself who brings us to our true home. This week we’ll see the importance of treasuring Christ as a means to pursue unity in the Lord, rejoice and rest in the Lord, and focus our thinking intentionally.

Listen as one of our elders, Daniel Maondu, preaches “A Christ-Centered Mind” from Philippians 4:2–9.

Tune in as Pastor Morgan Renew preaches "God With Us" from John 1:1–14. Christmas is often celebrated as a time to go “home” and celebrate with those closest to us. This can be a great joy when it is realized but can often be a sadness when we are separated from those we long to be with or when being with family doesn’t feel like “home.”

The story of the first Christmas, though, will remind us that the greatest joys and the deepest longings that we experience all point to Jesus himself, who is God with us, to bring us to our true home.

As we conclude our time in 1 and 2 Samuel, we reflect on the legacy of two of Israel’s greatest kings, King Saul and King David. In this week’s sermon, we come to the close of David’s life, and yet, we are left longing for more. We long for a king who is both just and merciful and whose life is exemplary. Tune in as Pastor Morgan Renew preaches “Death,” from 2 Samuel 21—24.

In these weeks leading up to Christmas, we remember David, Israel’s greatest king, and yet recognize that there’s a greater king, King Jesus, who does not forsake his people and who gives his life as ransom for those who are undeserving. Listen and be reminded of how great our ultimate King is — of the one who willingly lays down his life to save his people from their sins.

We’ve covered a lot of territory so far in 2 Samuel. In the beginning of the book, after a struggle with the son of the previous king, David is finally crowned King of Israel. His sin with Bathsheba against Uriah, however, prompts the LORD to tell David, “The sword shall never depart from your house… because you have despised me… I will raise up evil against you out of your own house.”

What follows is more tragedy — David’s son Amnon rapes his half-sister Tamar. David’s son Absalom responds by murdering Amnon and then rebelling against his father by claiming kingship for himself. In today’s passage, Absalom has been killed in battle and David is restored as the rightful king. There is still unrest, however, in Israel, and the people long for a king who loves mercy and justice and and rules in righteousness — which points us to the true and better king, Jesus. Listen as Pastor Dave Furman preaches “Return” from 2 Samuel 19—20.

We welcome back Pastor Femi Osunnuyi of City Church in Lagos, Nigeria, as he preaches, “The Hope of Christmas,” from Leviticus 26:12; Ezekiel 37:27; and Revelation 21:3.

In the Old Testament, God makes a promise that he will call a people to himself and that he will dwell with them. Christmas is the celebration of that promise fulfilled. Jesus came in the form of man to be our Immanuel, our God with us. His love for us compelled him to make a way so that his people will one day dwell in the presence of our great and glorious Lord forever — and it’s this hope that we joyously look forward to.

As we read 2 Samuel, we see the outworking of the consequences of David’s earlier sin against Uriah, but we also see how God steadfastly upholds his chosen and remains faithful even in the darkest of hours. Listen as Pastor Morgan Renew preaches, “Conflict,” from 2 Samuel 14—18.

As we continue in our series on 2 Samuel, we come to the story of David’s son and the rape of his sister, Tamar. Our heart grieves for Tamar, who is so terribly wronged, and for Israel, who even under God’s chosen king, is still in need of a righteous king who will avenge evil, punish the wicked, and provide restoration.

This sermon may be a hard one for those who are coming from a background of abuse, but our hope is that Josh’s words will also bring light to this evil among us and give hope to those who hurt. Tune in as Josh Smith, Redeemer Director of Counseling, preaches, “Disgraced,” from 2 Samuel 13.

Last week we looked at how David’s lust led him to commit adultery and murder. Today we’ll look at God’s response to David’s sin — how he sends Nathan to confront David, which ultimately leads David to repent. In looking at this account, we are reminded of what God would have us do when we sin, and we see how he mercifully deals with sinners. Listen as Pastor Dave Furman preaches “Repentance” from 2 Samuel 12.