Christ Our Example in Suffering (Part 1) - Nathan Rages

Suffering is unavoidable in this life (Job 5:7,14:1, John 16:33, Rom. 8:20-22) and comes in many forms.

Christ is our supreme example in suffering (1Pet. 2:18-23, Phil. 3:10, Luke 9:23).  Many aspects of *His* suffering can be applied to *our* hardships;   this message covers the first three:

1. He was not surprised by His suffering (Rev. 13:8, Matt. 20:18-19, John 12:27, Acts 14:22, 1Thess. 3:2-4, 1Pet. 4:12).

2. His prayers to avoid suffering went unanswered (Matt. 26:37-40, Luke 22:44, 2Cor. 12:8-9).

3. He could have removed Himself from suffering [but didn’t] (John 18:6, Matt. 26:53).

Seeking More of the Spirit's Power in Your Life - Nathan Rages

As a follow-up to last Sunday's teaching about the Holy Spirit's work within believers, this message describes five things that a person *can do* if they desire a greater measure of the Spirit's influence, power, and help in their life.   

1. Become a true Christian (John 7:37-39, Acts 2:38-39).

2. Believe that God is willing to give you this blessing (Acts 1:4-5,2:33,39, 1John 5:14-15).

3. Eliminate whatever grieves the Spirit (Eph. 4:30, Acts 5:32, Psalm 139:23).

4. Persist in specific prayer (Luke 11:5-13).

5. Wait patiently for whatever God will give (Acts 1:4-5).

"He Will Baptize You With the Holy Spirit" - Nathan Rages

“I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”  (Mark 1:8)

This message concerns the Holy Spirit's work within believers, leading to these conclusions:  

1. Every Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:9).

2. Christians may also receive an outpouring / filling / baptism of the Spirit either at or after conversion (Matt. 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:4-8,2:1-4,8:14-17,9:17-20,19:1-7, Luke 3:22,4:1,14,17-18).

     It is available to all believers (Acts 2:38-39). 

     It may be repeated (Acts 2:4,4:8,4:31).

     It produces recognizable effects (Acts 1:8,2:4,9:20-22).

Surprising Features of NT Church Meetings - Nathan Rages

This message explores six of the more surprising aspects of New Testament church meetings:

1. They were held mainly in members’ houses (Acts 2:46,12:12, 1Cor. 16:19, Col. 4:15, Phlm. 2).

2. They had affectionate greetings (Rom. 16:16, 2Cor. 13:12, 1Thess. 5:26, 1Pet. 5:14).

3. They were unscripted [but still orderly] (1Cor. 14:26-31,33,40).

4. They had participation from many members (1Cor. 14:23-24,26,31, 1Pet. 2:9, Rev. 1:6).

5. They had women speaking publicly [but not teaching men] (1Cor. 11:4-5, 1Tim. 2:11-12).

6. They were directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit (1Cor. 12 and 14, John 4:24, Matt. 18:20, Phil. 3:3, 1Cor. 2:3-5).

What Did NT Believers Do in Their Church Meetings? - Nathan Rages

This message explores the New Testament's teaching regarding church meetings.  What did the early church *do* in their meetings?  

This verse specifies four main activities:

“They were continually devoting themselves

   to the apostles’ teaching and 

   to fellowship, 

   to the breaking of bread and 

   to prayer.”  (Acts 2:42)

Sermons from the 2023 Fall Fellowship Camp

Sunday, October 15th Worship Meeting Location

Because most Redeeming Grace Church members will be participating in the Fall Fellowship Camp, October 12-15, the worship service on Sunday the 15th will be held at the chapel of the Turkey Hill Ranch Campground near Freeburg, MO at 10:00am, with lunch served afterwards.  Anyone is welcome to join the meeting at the Campground.  Our regular weekly schedule will resume, Lord willing, after the Camp.