Collinsville-Troy CHURCH OF CHRIST

My Redeemer Lives

-Jason Wright

What do you know about the Redeemer? The song (#282 in our songbook) we sing tells us that He lives and that He gives eternal life. Who is this free gift for? Verse three says it has been given unto sinful men. Let's consider this idea that the Redeemer lives.

The Redeemer is Jesus Christ. We read of His death, burial, and resurrection in the gospels. He paid the price with His own body; He bought us back from sin and death. He reigns above and lives with God in Heaven (Eph. 1:20-21).

The word redeem simply means to buy back or to rescue from loss, a ransom. Notice Paul speaking to Jewish Christians in Galatians 3:13, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Old Testament), having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.) Reading on we find that anyone who has been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. It is in baptism (immersion) that our sins are washed away. Christ freed the Jews from the Old Law so they might live under the New Covenant. For the Gentiles, Christ has bought us back; He has freed us from sin if we obey. In Jesus, we are not cursed anymore.

Redemption points to the price that has been paid to set sinners free. Since all have sinned (Rom. 3:23) and the wages of that sin is death (Rom. 6:23), we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace (Eph. 1:7). Christ has paid the price with His blood for our salvation. Let that sink in! He has done all that He needs to do so that we have the opportunity to do what we need to do to be saved, and He asks us to tell others.

My Redeemer is eternal. Going back to Romans 6:23, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood (Heb. 7:24). Remember Acts 1? What had the apostles experienced? They saw Christ crucified. He died and was buried. Then, He resurrected. He had previously told them this would happen and commissioned them to tell the world. After Jesus ascends in Acts 1:9-11, the angels asked the apostles, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? There's work to do; a message to share; souls to save.

Who have you told about Jesus? With whom have you shared the gospel message? Who do you know who has not been redeemed? Who do you know who is still in their sins? What is your plan for saving them? They are counting on you to teach them. Will you?

The truth of the matter is most won't listen; most won't take advantage of the opportunity; but Christ has made salvation available to all. The many will not heed the gospel call (Matthew 22:14). There's only one way to find out who the Few are. Let the lost know that My Redeemer Lives!

For All People

-Renn Ferguson

As I continue to think about the events that took place on September 10th 1 Timothy 2:1-4 which reads, "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, be made for all people, (2) for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (3) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sigh of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (ESV)

This is an incredibly important practice for Christians. Paul begins this passage by saying, "first of all". This phrase designates importance. This does not mean that it is the single most important thing in a Christian's life, but it should be incredibly important to us.

We ought to pray for all people. This is the first category that Paul mentions here. We must not be prejudice in our prayers. This is rooted in the conduct and character of God. As we see in Romans 2:11, "for God shows no partiality".

We ought to pray for those who hold positions of power. In our political climate it can be difficult to see the humanity of those on the other side of the isle. Yet, this is contrary to the image we see here. It is hard to hate someone when you are praying for them. This thought builds on the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:43-48 where He too commands that we pray for our enemies.

We must do this so that we may live a quiet and peaceful life. This is the first of three motivations here given. We should pray for our ruling forces so that we may practice our faith without fear, or harassment so that His word may have free course (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

We must do this because it is pleasing to God. This is the second motivation given. This should really be our motivation for anything. If we love God, we should always strive to do the things pleasing to Him (John 8:29).

We must do this because God wants all people to be saved. This is the third motivation given. God's greatest desire is that men be saved no matter the sins they commit (Luke 23:34). This should become our desire as well.

As followers of God, we should offer prayers for all people, even the worst of our enemies so that they may come to know God and the salvation that is in His Son Jesus Christ.