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Redeemer Bible Church Blog

Prayer

“This, then, is how you should pray:  Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”  Matthew 6: 9-13

At Redeemer Bible Church, we believe in the power of prayer and a God who deeply desires to fellowship and commune with his people through prayer.  For many, however, prayer can be an intimidating mystery … when and where should I pray and how should I pray?  Fortunately, we do not have to manufacture answers to these questions ourselves because God provides us with encouragement and guidance through his inerrant Word.  In response to the when and where question, the apostle Paul encourages us to “pray in the Sprit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” Ephesians 6:18.  Elsewhere, the scriptures remind us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Although there is not one universally accepted right or wrong way to pray, for those who still wrestle at times regarding how to pray, we can again take our cues from the scriptures and the words from our Savior found in Matthew 6: 9-13:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name, …” Our prayers should acknowledge the awesome, holy and righteous God to whom we are praying while simultaneously exhibiting a robust reverence towards our heavenly Father.  Acknowledging God as our Father can help us remember that he is our creator and the source of all life and truth.

“[Y]our kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. …” We should be praying for the coming of the New Jerusalem and the return of our savior, and ‘oh what a happy day’ that will be!  Until that day comes however, our prayers should focus on the will of God and the accomplishment of his will here on earth.  The lives we then lead here on earth should be in accordance with the will of God as it is outlined for us throughout the scriptures.

“Give us today our daily bread. …” As we daily look to God to meet our physical needs, we can also be confident that he will meet us regularly in prayer to supply our relational, emotional, and spiritual needs because he is Jehovah-Jireh (“the Lord will provide”).

“And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. …” As we confess our own sin and debts, our God is faithful to forgive us from our transgressions. Just as God promises forgiveness to us, we are also called to forgive those who have sinned against us. Beyond just simply confessing our own sin and forgiving others, it is God’s desire that we be reconciled and restored to him and to one another as we acknowledge our brokenness and need for a Savior.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Since God is our shield and protector we ought to call out to him regularly to protect us from any and all attacks directed at us from the evil one who continues to roam the earth like a roaring lion looking to devour and destroy God’s people.

For those of you that may not already be aware, or are new to Redeemer Bible Church, we have a prayer team that faithfully and regularly prays for the needs and various ministries of our church, our local community, and the world around us.  We also meet corporately once a month to pray for these things as well as simultaneously seeking the blessing and favor of God.  If you would like to partner with us in the ministry of prayer here at Redeemer Bible Church, we are always interested in welcoming new people to the prayer team.  Please feel free to contact me (my email) with prayer requests any time or to be added to the prayer team.

As you pursue an intimate relationship with our heavenly Father and daily seek to draw near to God, may Christ reveal himself to you in new and fresh ways through the power of prayer!

Joyfully in Christ,
Michael

Daniel Chapter 8

“When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, “Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.” So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face.”–Daniel 8:15-17a


Daniel chapter eight is a third vision of the coming kingdoms of the world that will rise and fall before the incarnation of Jesus Christ, and the inauguration of the kingdom of God in the world. I will review this chapter here in the newsletter instead of from the pulpit.

This vision of the future is revealed to Daniel in the third year of the reign of Belshazzar. Belshazzar ruled as co-regent of Babylon with his father Nabonidus. Daniel 5:18 refers to Nebuchadnezzar as Belshazzar’s “father,” but this should be understood in an ancestral sense and not a biological sense. Nebuchadnezzar (II) ruled Babylon from 605 to 562 BC. The co-regency of Belshazzar ran from 550 to 539 BC. I remind you that the purpose of the record of Daniel is not to be an all-encompassing history, but an accurate record of the work of God in the life of Daniel and his friends during their time of exile and captivity.

The vision recorded in chapter eight occurred in approximately 547 BC. If Daniel was fifteen years old when he was taken into captivity, that means he was approximately 67 years old when he received this vision from God. It is important that we understand Daniel as a faithful, older man at this point. He had lived nearly his entire life in exile and captivity, but at the same time seeking the kingdom of God and the restoration of Israel. Lastly, at this time, he continued to serve in the court of the Babylonian king, going about doing “the king’s business” (v. 27).

The vision is given to Daniel, not in his home, but by a canal in the city of Susa. As he looks across this canal, the Lord reveals to him a more specific version of what will happen in the future. Each vision – the statue, the four beasts, and now the ram and goat – gets more specific concerning God’s actions in the future. The interpretation of this vision specifically names the nations that will overtake Babylon and devour each other on the way to the eternal kingdom of God. The interpretation of this vision introduces us to the angel Gabriel, the same angel that will later announce the birth of Jesus to Mary. This is the first time in Scripture that an angel is named.

After reviving Daniel from his overwhelming shock of seeing heavenly glory and majesty, Gabriel interprets the vision to Daniel. It’s important that I note Daniel did not understand what he was seeing (v.15). Daniel did not come to understand these things because he was clever, but because they were explained to him by Gabriel. Many people in every age of church history have claimed with certainty to draw all kinds of meanings from the visions of Daniel that he himself did not draw from them, and were not made known through the interpretation of God. This is similar to many of the farfetched interpretations that many impose on the parables of Jesus. The purpose of this vision remains the same as the previous dream and vision – that the kingdoms of men will rise and fall by the purposes of God, not by a human hand (v. 25b).

In this vision Daniel records what he saw of a warring ram and goat. The ram whose horns are broken and is overwhelmed, is declared to be the Mede and Persian Empire (v. 20). The goat that rises in strength, but who’s one horn is replaced by four, is named as Greece (v. 21). The one great horn, understood to be Alexander the Great, is broken and replaced by four, understood to be the four Greek generals – Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy – who assumed power over different portions of the Greek empire following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC (v. 22).

This particular chapter is one of the great stumbling points for people that deny the actual authorship of Daniel. They claim it is impossible that Daniel could know the correct names of actual historical empires yet to come. This struggle revolves around unbelievers coming face to face with God knowing and causing the future in starkly real terms. This chapter begins with symbolic characters but ends with real historic facts. The Medo Persian Empire DID follow the Babylonian Empire, and the Greek Empire DID follow the Medo Persian Empire – and that Greek empire was led by one spectacular world conqueror. The assertion of the unbelieving is that this book must have been written closer to the time of Jesus. The assertion of the believing is that it proves the sovereignty of God unlike any other book in the Bible.

Verses 23-25 speak of transgression rising and reaching its limit, then being judged. This judgment involves a king who will bring a fearful destruction, be deceitful, destroy many, then himself be destroyed. Since this ruler comes after the “four kings” as a “little horn,” he is understood to be Antiochus IV Epiphanes who came to power in 175 BC. Antiochus IV persecuted the Jews and desecrated the temple. Mitchell Chase writes, “He ordered a slaughter of Jews, resulting in approximately forty thousand dying by violence and around the same number being sold into slavery (2 Maccabees 5:12-14). Antiochus attacked the temple and, in 167 BC, ordered the cessation of regular offerings. On December 16, 167, he set up an idol of Zeus on the altar of the temple, thus desecrating the sanctuary. He also, at the same time, defiled the altar by offering pagan sacrifices, including pigs. He cast down the “truth” by forbidding practices commanded in the Law and forcing Jews to adopt Greek customs and religious practices.”

The “2,300 evenings and mornings” (v.14) are approximately six years and three months, which corresponds to the period between the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV and its restoration by Judas Maccabeus. Judas Maccabeus recaptured Jerusalem, reconsecrated the temple, and offered its first sacrifice upon a new altar on December 14, 164 BC. This rededication of the temple is memorialized by the Jewish people in their celebration of Hanukkah.

These things are a faith-building fascination to us today but were shocking and over-whelming to Daniel. Seeing the violence and struggle of the future caused Daniel to be “overcome and lay sick for some days” (v. 27). It is a rare thing for any person to have the future revealed to them by God. It’s too much for us. The normal path of the Christian is to believe God and walk by faith, waiting on the Lord to bring His purposes to pass. However, may Daniel chapter eight encourage you, that God knows the future and chose to reveal it to Daniel.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Vic

Words

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”–Ephesians 4:29-30


The words that come out of our mouths everyday are very important. The words you use are expressions of what is in your heart. That’s why in the fourth chapter of his letter to the Ephesian church, while instructing about putting off the old self and putting on the new self (vv.22-24), Paul admonishes the church to speak no “corrupting” word. Other translations use “unwholesome” word. The speech of a Christian should not be corrupting, tearing down, or bring evil with it. The words of a follower of Jesus Christ should not be unwholesome, profane, and cause the Holy Spirit to grieve. Our words should not be filled with cursing, anger, profanity, and hate.

The words chosen by a Christian should set them apart from the world. Our speech should be holy. To be holy means to be set apart for a sacred purpose. Following the command of Paul in this area of speech will immediately set you apart from the world. Do you want to put off your old ways and take up the new ways of Jesus – start with how you talk. By simply choosing not to use any profanity in your speech, you will immediately stand apart from this lost world. Those of us out in the working world everyday or in the public-school setting understand what it means to be surrounded by profanity all day every day. Living in the world and speaking without profanity requires the fruit of the Holy Spirit of self-control. James 3 is very clear that taming the tongue is a work of the Lord. When a person’s speech begins to change, it signifies a greater change in the heart.

This area of speech is also a significant area of Christian public witness. Christians serve as the public conscience, helping unbelievers know right from wrong by how we live. As we associate ourselves with Jesus and speak without profanity, but instead go about telling the truth, praising good, and speaking with thankfulness – the world becomes convicted of its speech. By standing apart in the way we speak, we help awaken the conscience of others around us. A Christian that does not give into the draw of profanity and lives with the same group of people for months will see a change in the verbal environment.

Instead of cursing, we are told to speak in a way that builds people up! Instead of insulting, gossiping, cutting down in anger, and slandering others we are to speak in a way that builds them up and blesses them. We are looking for good things to say about others, words of encouragement. Our words are to fit the occasion. This has to do with timing, and timing first comes from observation. We are to be aware of the people around us and speak to them in a way appropriate for blessing them.

I hope you realize how powerful your words are. Your words to others will help them or hurt them. Your words will point them toward Jesus or away from Jesus. Your words to those close to you have the power of life and death. If you are married, you are the most important person in the life of your spouse. If you use your words to tear them down and tell them how stupid and worthless they are – they will begin to believe these lies over time. But if you, instead, speak words of love, encouragement, and blessing to your spouse – they will begin to believe they can embody all the beautiful fruits of God’s Spirit. Be careful to speak in a way that builds up your spouse!

We wield this same great power with our children. Your words to them are lifechanging and of immense importance. Do you speak words of blessing, truth, encouragement, and love over your children? Or are your words more frequently angry, condescending, proud, and belittling? Your children will believe the words you tell them. Let no corrupting word come out of your mouth. May we, as parents, not be the one’s corrupting our own children. Instead, pray for God’s help to speak timely, grace filled, truthful words that build up.

Finally, let us not grieve the Holy Spirit in how we talk. I believe the most significant way we grieve the Holy Spirit in our words is through breaking the third commandment (Exodus 20:7). When we use the blessed and sacred name of Jesus – the name given by the angel Gabriel for the Son of God come down from heaven to save us from our sins – as a common curse explicative we grieve the Holy Spirit. When you believe in Jesus as Savior and come to worship Jesus for the new life He gives, you can’t bear to take His name in vain.

It’s not a coincidence that thousands of years after the death of Jesus the unbelieving world still chooses to use the name of Jesus as a curse. They don’t do this with the name of Mohamed, Joseph Smith, or Buddha. The corrupted human heart chooses the name of Jesus because we know there is something truly terrible about misusing this sacred name. Christians must take this seriously and stop grieving the Holy Spirit through blasphemous speech.

Let your light shine before all people by the way you speak! Today use your words to bless and not curse. Build up those around you with grace and truth.

May the Lord put a guard over our mouths,
Pastor Vic

Eternal Life–Part 13

“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” –1 Corinthians 15:19-20

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, The Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting.

Amen.

              The statement of faith made by the Apostles’ Creed ends with the powerful declaration of hope that every believing Christian longs for. It is the longing for eternal life through truly entering into the resurrection life of Jesus Christ. Every Christian, past and present, has had to struggle through this fallen world the same as we do today. Life filled with struggle, striving, weariness, weakness, disease, physical brokenness, relational brokenness, financial hardship, and countless other real effects of sin and death in the world.

              1 Corinthians 15 is one of the most encouraging chapters in all the Bible. In this chapter Paul focuses on teaching the church about the reality and eternal implications of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He is absolutely clear that our hope in Jesus is NOT just for this life. Our hope in Jesus is NOT just to get a better job, have a happy marriage, raise loving children, and form healthy friendships, but to overcome the final enemy of death with the eternal life of Jesus Christ. This is possible because Jesus has actually and truly been raised up from death to eternal life. It must be the confident expectation of every Christian that by grace through faith we also will experience victory over death.

              We must understand our salvation to be multifaceted. We have been saved, we are being saved, and we will finally be saved. When a person first confesses their sins and believes in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation, that person is justified before God. To be justified means to be declared “not guilty” before God. When we are justified, we are seen by God the Father as clothed in the righteousness of Christ. We have been saved. But sin remains present in this life. We move forward in discipleship becoming more like Christ through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. We are being saved. At the day of God’s choosing every Christian will die (unless they are still alive at the second coming of Christ) and by faith enter into the glory of heaven and everlasting life. The presence of sin will be removed, and the glorious presence of Jesus will be present instead. In heaven we will be glorified, and our salvation will be complete.

              Paul argues in 1 Corinthians 15 that the resurrection of Jesus is evidence and an example of the type of resurrection life we will share in. When the trumpet sounds at the second coming of Jesus the dead in Christ shall rise. Saints long departed will be united again with their bodies. We will forever be in person, not as disembodied spirits. Mohler writes, “What was weak will give way to power. What was dishonorable will give way to honor. What was natural will be transformed to spiritual. What was perishable will give way to an imperishable body that will never taste death. These bodies will live in immortality with Christ for all eternity.”

              On this “day of the Lord” there will be a great separation. Jesus will come again not as Savior but as a judge. He will separate those who are His own from those who would attempt to enter the kingdom of God by some other way. Those who have believed in the merciful salvation of Jesus will enter life everlasting. Those who have continued without faith, living in rebellion and relishing the sinfulness of this world will be separated unto damnation. Instead of resurrection glory, there will be weeping, the gnashing of teeth, outer darkness, and a lake of fire.

              Every true Christian should long for heaven. Heaven will not be like the foolish portrayals of clouds, harps, and bored people. Heaven is presented as so much more than this life – not less. Shadows become light, and where before we could only see dimly, we will see perfectly. All will be made right. All will be purified and glorified. All that is broken will be created anew. All that is sick will be healed. All that is at war will be brought to peace and the lion will lie down with the lamb. Here God will disclose Himself and be together with His people in a way that cannot be comprehended. We are told by scripture that these things are beyond imagination.

              I believe that even though we die, yet shall we live. I believe that what is sown in weakness and death will rise glorious and imperishable through the power of Jesus our Lord. Leave behind your anxiety and fear. Put off the cares of this world and set your mind on things that are above (Colossians 3:1-4).

I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

Amen,

Pastor Vic        

< This is part thirteen in a series of articles on the Apostles’ Creed. To learn more about the Apostles’ Creed read: “The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits” by Albert Mohler. >

Building Update

Redeemer Building Update

Church family,

So much has happened recently the elders want to make sure everyone has a clear picture of what is happening with the building so you can pray, participate, and give as you feel led by the Lord.

Land: The church membership voted to purchase a 3.5 acre parcel of land in the center of the Spotsylvania Courthouse Village development. This parcel is adjacent to the new white brick Planter’s Bank building facing Courthouse Road. This parcel will accommodate a sanctuary and up to five additional smaller educational buildings. Now that the congregation has voted to purchase the land, Vakos Properties will parcel this piece of land out of the larger acreage according to our site plan. Deacon Travis Elkins will pick up from deacon Benjamin Pennington’s efforts and continue work on the overall site and building plan. Only after a final site plan is approved by the county and the land is officially parceled out, will the land purchase officially take place. It will take some months for this due diligence to occur. During this waiting period the cash for the land purchase will remain set aside in the building fund.

Building: The plan is to build a one-level sanctuary that will seat at least 500 people and up to two smaller educational buildings in the first phase of building. Each educational building will give us eight good sized classrooms. The goal of building in phases is to avoid the prolonged period of fund-raising or a heavy debt load from building one large multi-story building. The goal is to raise enough funds to make sure a mortgage is less than what we currently pay in rent. In this way, we can assure the mortgage cost will not change the focus of ministry. We will know for sure that such a mortgage is within a manageable and modest church budget. Right now, the building and financing situation is a moving target. Both building and financing costs are rising, but the Lord has, and will, provide His church a necessary place to meet. By our estimates we need to raise at least $2,000,000 to seriously look at beginning to build. This may seem like an insurmountable task, but nothing is impossible with God!

The Lord provided $700,000 for land without us even talking about the subject, and the elders believe the Lord will provide again! The Lord will provide through the sacrificial generosity of His people. When you go to the on-line giving portal there is a designated “Building Fund” giving account, or you can designate your gift placed in the offering box next to the welcome desk. 100% of what is given to the building fund will go to building. If you have non-cash gifts (such as stocks) that you feel led to contribute, please see an elder, or our treasurer, for how to accomplish that. We will be patient and wait for the Lord to provide. The focus of Redeemer Bible Church is not going to become building a building. We will remain focused on the disciple-making call of Jesus Christ. When the Lord wants us to have a different building, He will provide in a way that will glorify Himself. The elders believe that as we take this need to our good Heavenly Father, He will move people to give cheerfully, and the need will be met in His perfect time.

May the new church buildings be built with joy, without controversy, without manipulation, through self-sacrifice, partially by the work of our own hands, and all to the glory of God that the lost may come to salvation in Jesus Christ.

New Rental Space: At the last member business meeting we voted to sign a one-year (renewable for two more years) lease on the first floor of the adjacent building. This building will allow Redeemer to double our current educational space. These classrooms will make room for more children’s ministry on Sunday morning, more youth small group space on Wednesday night, and more adult small group meeting space throughout the week. We are very thankful for this answer to prayer! This rental space will be occupied until we can build the new educational buildings.

This space will require some renovation that must be done by the church. We are so grateful that deacon Andrew Mines will be heading up this project. Like our last church renovation project (the grocery store – now the sanctuary) we will do most of this work ourselves to save significant cost. The savings will be put toward the new building. So much joy and relationships come from working together in the church. If you are handy or can paint, please contact Andrew to sign-up for work crew days. We will begin work as early as late July. Our hope is to have the space ready for children’s ministry when school is back in session this fall. This will take diligent work from across the church body. I’m excited to see the Lord provide through His body working together!

Please pray about giving toward the building of a permanent church building. Together the Lord will provide.

In all things may Jesus Christ be glorified,

The Elders of Redeemer Bible Church

Forgiveness of Sins–Part 12

“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit…I acknowledge my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” Psalm 32:1-2, 5

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, The Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. The third day he arose again from the dead. He ascended to heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins…

              The forgiveness of sins is the beginning of joy in the Christian life! It’s when by confession and the real forgiveness of sin, your guilt is removed before God. Whereas we were under condemnation before, we are no longer under condemnation because of divine gracious forgiveness (Romans 8:1). Blessed is the person that the Lord has forgiven and does not count their sins against them! I believe in the forgiveness of sins.

              Forgiveness begins with acknowledging our sins and our true guilt before God. Most people choose to blame others for the guilt and consequences of their own sin, anger, rebellion, pride, and selfishness. This blame shifting and anger is not the way of Christ and does not lead to life. As Psalm 32 teaches us, the Christian acknowledges their sins before God and does not try to avoid the sin of their life. Those who believe in Jesus believe in Him as Savior. They believe that Jesus is able to forgive sins because of His work on the cross and because of His great love and mercy toward us.

              It’s important to recognize that asking for and receiving forgiveness from God is similar to asking for forgiveness from a friend or family member that loves you. When you know that brokenness in your family relationships relates to something you have said or done, you must go the person you wronged and ask them for forgiveness. You must say you’re sorry without making excuses, and then ask the person you wronged to forgive you. This type of heartfelt confession encourages the other person to grant forgiveness and reconcile the division. This is basically what happens when we acknowledge and confess our sins before God. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9. When we come before the Lord with earnest repentance, sorrow, and brokenness of heart to confess our sins, we can know that we are truly forgiven by the grace of God.

              It’s important to understand that God determines what the offenses are – not us. God has from eternity defined what is good and evil. We cannot reverse the moral order. We can only rebel against it. This is partly why reading the Bible is so important. By studying God’s word, we come to understand the will and commands of God, and these passages of Scripture are used by the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin. It’s worth noting the difference between our first confession of sin when we first believe in Jesus and come to salvation, and the ongoing confession of sin. When we first acknowledge our sin before God, repent of our sins, and ask God to forgive us – this is our time of conversion and regeneration. This is when the guilt of your sin is removed, you are born again, and justified before God.

              As we go on from salvation, confession is still a regular part of life. You are making progress in godliness, but sin remains a part of your life. This does not cause you to lose your salvation but does affect your fellowship with God. We understand this from family relations. When a husband or wife sin against each other it does not end their marriage but does break their fellowship. Their will be division in the friendship and fellowship of the relationship until the person in the wrong acknowledges their sin and asks for forgiveness. When forgiveness is granted the fellowship and sweetness of the relationship is renewed. This is the same way things work between the Christian and God after salvation. As a Christian, keep short accounts with God. When your sin is affecting your nearness and joy, confess your sins and receive the grace of God that the relationship might be renewed.

              There is no penance in the Bible. Salvation and the forgiveness of sins is by grace alone. The idea of penance (mostly known from the Roman Catholic Church) is doing something related to punishment in order to work off the guilt of your sins. This is the opposite of grace and is not what the Bible teaches. Beating yourself up after you have confessed your sins, is not what Jesus would have you do. Instead, joyfully receive forgiveness by faith and go and sin no more. Take forgiveness seriously and take holiness seriously as well.

              As Christians we must forgive others, because we have been forgiven everything by God. When God has forgiven us as wretched sinners, we must also forgive those that have sinned against us. Withholding forgiveness and grace toward those who have sinned against you shows a problem in your heart. There is no place for grudge keeping in the Christian life. Forgiveness is never easy and is harder the more grievous or costly the offense. But as we go to God and ask for the grace to love and forgive even our enemies, the world will know that we are Christians because we love and forgive like Christ.

              Lastly, there are many false prosperity and positive thinking preachers in our day. They intentionally never speak of sin, or repentance, or confession, or forgiveness. This is because they are not interested in the gracious salvation of Jesus. They do not believe in real guilt before God and they do not believe in hell (eternal punishment for final rebellion against God). They falsely tell you that by positive thinking you can save yourself by reshaping your situation. This is a lie. Only by forgiveness from God can the guilt of our sins be removed.

May you confess your sins today and receive the blessed forgiveness of Jesus,

Pastor Vic   

< This is part twelve in a series of articles on the Apostles’ Creed. To learn more about the Apostles’ Creed read: “The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits” by Albert Mohler. >     

Father’s Day

The month of June is known across America as a month to celebrate LGBTQ and transgender practices. I believe it’s important for you to listen to an inspiring testimony of a woman named Laura that came to salvation during her transgender rebellion against God. It’s a moving and important testimony of redemption that will help us all better share Christ with those who struggle with these areas of sin.

Please click on the link below to listen to her story. Press “play” between the title and her picture to hear the story.

Laura’s testimony

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring
 them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
Ephesians 6:4
This coming Sunday is Father’s Day. Leading a family and raising children in this day is a daunting task. The Lord will give strength for the task, but it’s important to refocus on the fundamentals.

Being a father is a God-given authority. The authority of fatherhood follows after the loving and good authority of God the Father toward us. As fathers live under the authority of God the Father, so our children live under our authority. At a minimum, this means parenting should be parent-directed, not child-directed. The spiritual leadership of the father is meant to direct the life and formation of the child. To be a father is not to stand-by while your child does whatever they choose, but with proper godly love, discipline, and education to direct the course of your child’s life. This loving direction, education, discipline, and training is constant when a child is young but should taper off as they enter their teens, and end as they launch into adulthood. When a child enters adulthood the father’s goal is for the child to establish their own home beginning again the fatherly role in the next generation. Your authority as a father hems in your children to guide their path. As a father it is your role to teach your children who God is, what He expects of them, and how they can experience the love of God through the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ.

I would argue that the most important attitude of a father is to love their child. Love is the master virtue of the Christian life and the first fruit of the Holy Spirit. As believers in Jesus Christ, we experience the love of God through the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. We have peace with God through the cross and go from
being enemies of God to being His beloved adopted children. The authority of fatherhood will never be effective, and will instead be hurtful to a child, without authentic love. Dads, you know whether you love your kids or not. Your kids know whether you love them or not. If you view your children as a drag to your finances and free time this indicates a lack of love. If you can’t discipline without anger, there is a lack of love. If you don’t want to spend time with your kids, you don’t love them like God wants you to. I believe every dad struggles with these issues. I know I have.

The answer is always the same when we begin to recognize a lack of Christian love in our lives. We must draw near to the Lord in prayer and Bible study. In prayer you have to earnestly ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart to bear the fruit of authentic love that you can’t contrive. Confess your sins and failures asking the Holy Spirit to make you the gentle and kind father you know you should be. If you need to ask for your child’s forgiveness, do that as well. If you did not have a loving and gentle father growing up, know that you can learn these ways from your Heavenly Father.

Fathers, I encourage you to see your children like empty vessels that need to be filled up with your love afresh each day. You fill them with words of affirmation and blessing, by making good memories together, through praying for them, listening to them, working with them, doing your best to tell them about Jesus, and most fundamentally – just telling them you love them. This will wear you out. As you pour out, you also must be filled. This filling must come from the living water of Jesus our Lord. Living water that never runs dry. You must spend time with Jesus every day. You must MAKE time for Jesus every day and ask Him to make you into the type of father you could never be on your own.

After loving our children, we must train them. Fathers, you must lead the way in training. Teach them to put the things of the Lord first. Teach them to love their mother and their siblings. Teach them to pray and read the Bible. Teach them to love learning and respect their elders. Teach them respectful manners and practical life skills that are related to their gender. Fathers, teach your boys to be men, and cherish your wife as she teaches your girls to become women. Be patient with your children as they learn but press them always to grow in the talents God has given them.

Next, you must discipline your children. Hebrews 12:5-11 is very clear that God will discipline us in the Christian life to correct our path, because He loves us. Every parent that loves their child will discipline their child. Discipline done with love builds character and turns a child away from sinful, selfish, and irresponsible actions. Discipline teaches a small child that they must live under authority. Discipline uses a small amount of pain brought into their life by a father who loves them, to turn them away from a great amount of pain in later life that will come from those who hate them. I understand that spanking is well out of fashion in this day and that there are important exceptions to children that have been abused, but the Proverbs speak about the need to bring the quick and decisive discipline of a spanking into a child’s life (Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15). All discipline must be administered without anger, but proper discipline from a loving father will work to shape the soul and character of a small child.

Fathers, never give up on your children. Never stop in pursuing your children with love. Never stop preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to your children. Never give up on the faithful discipline of stubborn small children. Never stop praying for your kids and investing in their lives. Pray for their souls until they come to salvation. Knowing that your child authentically believes in Christ as their Savior is infinitely more important than any other life goal. Their soul before God is more important than what college they go to, what sports they play, what job they get, or what level of worldly success they attain. Your children should emphatically know that you care more about their soul than any of these things.

May the Lord help us to be godly fathers,
Pastor Vic

Some basic parenting resources:
Shepherding A Child’s Heart, 2nd Edition, by Tedd Trip (for small children)
Parenting by The Book: Biblical Wisdom for Raising Your Child, by John Rosemond (for small children)
Age of Opportunity, 2nd Edition, by Paul David Trip (for teenagers)
Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family, by Paul David Tripp
Focus on the Family: a long-standing trusted ministry with podcast and countless resources

Building Update

Further Building & Land Update
There’s a lot happening at Redeemer these days! We have all prayed much about this church, and asked God to bless and guide us. We have prayed for the lost to be saved and for this church to be a blessing to the community. We praise God that these things are happening at a rate much faster than we expected. With these joys also come growing pains of adjustment and lots of decisions. But I tell you, it’s exciting to join the Lord where He is working! It’s exciting to pray for big things, and see the Lord answer those prayers. I will do my best to keep you updated on what is happening and how you can be involved.

At the last member meeting we voted to purchase 3.5 acres of land diagonally across the quad from where the church is currently located. The lot is right on Courthouse Road and directly in the center of this development. This land purchase will allow us to build a sanctuary seating over 500 and at least one small educational building. Depending on what funds the Lord provides, we may possibly be able to build a second educational building in the first phase. The second phase (years down the road) allows us to build up to three additional educational buildings to create more classroom space. The plan includes an outdoor picnic space and fenced children’s play area.

I believe the most amazing part about this is that the land was offered to us at a significant discount which matched up with cash we had in the bank. A long time ago the elders decided that we would stop passing a plate in the service because it was an obstacle for unbelievers coming to church and being asked for money. Second, it allowed every dollar given to be given joyfully and from the heart. In this we would know that God was supporting the ministry and the church could see God at work providing for our needs. So, without any direct fund-raising the Lord has provided!

Concerning the land, we now enter a due diligence period of preparation for the building site plan and buildings themselves. Benjamin Pennington will be stepping down from this roll to pursue a master’s level theological studies in his off hours. Travis Elkins will take up the mantle to lead the effort to solidify building plans and keep the church updated on the process.

As a church, we must continue in faithful giving and consider possibly making additional gifts toward the building fund. We have a designated building fund in the drop-down menu of the on-line giving portal. All funds given to that designated fund will go toward the building. Would you pray about making a designated gift toward building the new building? By each of us choosing generosity for the sake of gospel ministry, the church will be built! Let’s be in prayer that the way the church continues will be like its past – clearly the Lord is at work.

In the meantime, over at least the next two years, we must joyfully continue to minister in our current building. As most of you are aware, we have a serious shortage of classroom space. During children’s ministry (11:00 hour) we have zero extra. In the small amount of classroom space, we have over 100 children and workers every Sunday. We will come to a point soon, where we will have to turn people away because we do not have room for their children. During the 11:00 hour the young adult ministry meets outside rain or shine. This large group would need two classrooms to meet inside. We have zero adult classes that meet Sunday morning because of a total lack of classroom space. On Wednesday night the youth group fills every available space during small group break ups. This includes a small group meeting in the children’s ministry lobby. We rent the coffee shop across the quad to make room for one adult group to meet.

This over-crowding has been a significant concern for months to the elders, ministry leaders, and children’s teachers. We have all been praying and searching out possible answers for how to handle this and be able to effectively minister to those God is bringing to us. Building is too far out to help over the next few years, and moving the church again was not desired by anyone. However, according to God’s perfect providence, the new building at the end of the street will open in July. When that building opens, two businesses will relocate from the first floor of the adjacent building to the new building. This will open the entire first floor of the adjacent building. Vakos Companies has offered it to us at a discounted price per sq/ft to continue support for Redeemer.

After some weeks of due diligence walking through the property with key ministry leaders and deacons, we have come up with a way to create three large classrooms and three medium sized classrooms by only extending two walls by ten feet, knocking down two ten-foot walls, and cutting in four doors. None of this will require moving plumbing or electrical. This classroom addition would double our current educational space and make it possible to bring inside some adult small groups, young adult ministry, and space out our children’s ministry to make room for growth.

We have called a member meeting Sunday to present this and possibly move for a vote, because Vakos Companies has already held this off the market for a month and does not want to unnecessarily delay a choice. They have a nearly 100% occupancy rate on apartments in our area. If we choose to not take this space, it will immediately be renovated into apartments.

There’s not much to discuss on this decision. It’s pretty much take it, or leave it. The rental price is set, the square footage is set, and the terms of the year-to-year lease are set. The elder board recommends that we extend our budget to sign the lease and expand our educational space. We have the giving income to meet this need and believe more will come with growth. If you’re a member at Redeemer, please be in prayer about this decision and reach out to an elder if you have questions. I’m excited to be on this journey with you and look forward to seeing you Sunday.

May the Lord go before us and make the path straight,
Pastor Vic and the elders

Praising God

Praising God, No More Moments of Silence!

Sometimes I feel like I don’t praise God enough. After all, He is the one and only true God. But if I believe that, which I do, then why don’t I speak of Him more and give Him praise for all things in my life.  He brought the world and all its fullness into existence by simply speaking His Words (Gen. 1). He certainly is almighty, sovereign, and worthy of the praises of all creation. I could write a book about the sovereignty and holiness of God, but the Bible already does that. The point is, that we are here for a purpose in this world. We are the creation of God and Him alone. Praising Him and thanking Him in all things should be a natural response to who He is. Praise is important to God, and He is worthy of it.  From His people, it is the testimony of His greatness, goodness, and sovereignty to the people around us. When we praise God great and mighty things happen! People are changed.

 What happens when we praise God? The Bible tells us “You are Holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.” (Psalms 22:3) God inhabits the praises of His people. When we begin praising God He joins us, and His presence is with us, and He becomes more real to us and others. Did you know that God moves into action when we praise Him! This verse actually when translated in Hebrew means “God dwells in the praises of His people.”

 We should never take credit for what God does in our life or in the world. He alone is worthy of praise, and He dwells in this acknowledgment that is due Him and Him alone. We live not of ourselves, but we live because God has created us and sustains us through His goodness and Grace. (Psalm 100:3) We belong to Him and Him alone. God hates a proud look and a deceitful heart (Prov. 6:16-19), but He is pleased when we acknowledge Him in truth and praise.

I love the passage in Acts 16:25 when the apostle Paul and Silas were arrested and locked up in the dungeon of a prison. Instead of crying and cursing their situation, they began praising God and singing hymns. It was then at the midnight hour the jail shook, and doors were opened. God began to move in the midst of their praise and worship. In that same verse, we also see the words “The prisoners were listening to them.” As a result of their praises during difficult and unbearable times, others heard them, observed them, and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ for their own salvation.  

There is no time in this world for “Moments of silence!” It is time for the church to stand up in boldness and acknowledge God in praise and worship. Not just on the good days but also in the midst of our worst circumstances.

On this side of heaven, we will never understand why bad things happen to good people in this world, but we know one thing. God is good, He loves us (John 3:16) and there is a purpose for everything that happens in life. We must remember “The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1)

I hope that today we will praise God more in all things. Even when life is hard and difficult to understand. Trust God with all your heart and give Him praise! The world is watching the church. The world is listening. No more moments of silence! Let there be boldness through praise and worship from the Church to Jesus the Messiah. The one and only true God. Amen

Rev. Dalton Lilly

Redeemer Bible Church Stafford

Redeemer Bible Church Stafford (Update)

For those who may not be aware, Redeemer Bible Church is planting a church in Stafford.  Praise God!  For all of you who have been walking through this process with us, Pastor Vic asked me to send out a short update to keep you up to speed on our progress. 

Why are we planting a church?

  • The local church is primary in God’s redemptive plan for sharing the gospel and making disciples.  Those involved with this church plant have felt God’s calling and leading to be part of this commission in Stafford.
  • The local church should be local.  For the handful of families that drive from Stafford to Spotsy each Sunday, this church plant represents an opportunity to gather for worship and outreach in our community where we live, work, go to school and do life.  Our aim is to strengthen and compliment, not compete with, the other biblically faithful Christian churches already established in Stafford.       
  • From the beginning, Redeemer Spotsy set out to be a church that plants churches.  Sending out Redeemer Stafford is the first step towards this goal.

How will the church be organized?

  • Unlike other church models, Redeemer Stafford will not be a satellite campus of Redeemer Spotsy but an autonomous cooperating church.  This means that both churches will hold to the same core beliefs with regard to the Bible, theology and church governance/essentials (link to RBC cooperating agreement).  We will also share the same name, Redeemer Bible Church, and continue to seek ministry partnerships together (i.e. orphan care, short term missions).  However, Redeemer Stafford will be led by its own team of elders and ruled by the church members in Stafford. 

Where will the church meet?

  • Since Aug of ’21, North Stafford Baptist Church has expressed a desire to potentially join with Redeemer Stafford.  We have held two combined church services with North Stafford Baptist and are in ongoing conversations with their elders about becoming one church.  Should this happen, we will come together as Redeemer Bible Church of Stafford at their current location (11 Meadowood Drive, Stafford). 

When will weekly Sunday church services begin?

  • Since last October, we have been meeting weekly on Sunday evenings for small-group home Bible studies and once a month for church services at North Stafford Baptist.  
  • Our goal is to begin meeting for weekly Sunday services on August 21st. 

How can you pray for us?

  • Pray for unity between North Stafford Baptist and Redeemer Stafford.
  • Pray that more people would be called and equipped to fill key leadership roles within the church (elders, deacons, ministry leaders).
  • Pray that in all of this, the families of Redeemer Stafford would be filled with joy and stay focused on our primary mission of exalting God, growing disciples of Christ and making the gospel known through our words and deeds!

You can find more information on our website (redeemerstafford.org) and you are welcome to join us this Sunday from 5:30-7:00pm at 11 Meadowood drive for our monthly worship service and see for yourself what God is doing through Redeemer in Stafford.

On behalf of the elders and families that currently represent Redeemer Bible Church of Stafford, we genuinely want to thank each of you for your steadfast encouragement and prayers on our behalf.  I can say without hesitation that Molly and I have never been a part of a church family that has supported and loved us like you have over the last three years.  Your example has transformed our lives. 

We love you, church.

In Christ,

Pastor Justin