Redeemer Rockford Students

In today's episode we look at the core truths surrounding God's creation. 

Q. 9. What is the work of creation?

The work of creation is the making by God of all things from nothing, by his powerful word, in the space of six days, and all very good.

Q. 10. How did God create man?

God created man, male and female, in his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, with rule over the creatures.

What did Jesus mean when he said "I am the bread of life"? What bread is he talking about? Every person alive today is teaching for food to fill and satisfy their desires. The problem is that the food of the world is physical and temporary, whereas what Jesus offers is spiritual and eternal. Faith is the mouth of the soul and all those who feast on Christ by faith will never be hungry and never thirst again. I pray you would come to believe in Jesus. 

In today's episode we look at questions 7-8 which is all about the sovereignty of God. 

Q. 7. What are the decrees of God?

The decrees of God are his eternal plan, according to the purpose of his will, by which, for his own glory, he has foreordained whatever comes to pass; (yet in such a manner as to be in no way the author of sin.)

Q. 8. How does God carry out his decrees?

God carries out his decrees in the works of creation and providence.

When you hear the word "God" what comes into your head? This is the most important question you could ever be asked and your answer is just as important. In today's Episode we look at who God is by asking these 3 questions. 

Q. 4. What is God?

God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

Q. 5. Are there more Gods than one?

There is only one God, the living and true God.

Q. 6. How many persons are there in the Godhead?

There are three persons in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

In this sermon pastor JT explains why Christians can stand boldly upon the word of God as the standard of justice we are to uphold. 

In this new series on the core truths of the Christian faith, we will be taking a journey through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Each episode is around 5-12 min meant to teach us what the Bible teaches by looking at God's word. In the 1600's the evangelical/protestant Puritans used this catechism to train their children in what the Bible teaches. Though it is an old method, it is a very relevant method for us today for a few reasons: 1. Know what the Bible teaches in simple terms 2. to be familiar with the our ancient faith that so many before us confessed 3. To enhance our spiritual walk with God by knowing him and experiencing these truths. 4. to be able to defend the core truths of the Bible by pointing people to scripture. 

In today's episode we look at these questions. 

Q. 1. What is the chief purpose for which man is made?

The chief purpose for which man is made is to glorify God,[a] and to enjoy him for ever.[b]

Q. 2. What rule has God given to direct us how to glorify and enjoy him?

The Word of God, which consists of the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments,[a] is the only rule to direct us how to glorify and enjoy him.[b]

Q. 3. What do the Scriptures principally teach?

The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God,[a] and what duty God requires of man.[b]

Tomorrow we are starting a new series through the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Pastor JT is passionate about teaching students the core doctrines of the Christian faith in order to build produce worshipers for Jesus. In a world where truth is relative that there is no meaning in life, this series speaks of life purpose, human sin, God's purposes, Jesus our mediation, the gospel, the law, and how to pray. Episodes will air twice a week on Wednesday mornings and on Saturday mornings. 

Charles Spurgeon once said "To pray is to enter the treasure-house of God and to gather riches out of an inexhaustible storehouse." One of the cheif trademarks of the early church believers is that they were prayer warriors. In tonights sermon Pastor JT breaks down the way in which the believers in Acts 4:23-31 prayed in order to instruct and encourage us in our prayer live.

“The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.” - Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Acts 2:42-47 describes the characteristics of a Spirit Filled Church. Does this describe you and your church? As we sit in lockdown during this pandemic my prayer is that this sermon moves you to long for community. Also, I hope this passage gives you a biblical vision for what our church community should look like. 

This episode of Pastor Talk is a little more lighthearted and personal as we get to know each of our pastors. 

1. In 1-2 minutes how did you meet your wife and what were your first impressions? Did she feel the same? (2:30)