Welcome to Redemption

Prayer is a mystery.  Some people swear by its power; others are skeptical and say praying is like believing in magic.  With this sermon series, we will explore prayer in its many forms and we will honestly address the questions people ask, such as:

* Who does prayer change - people or God?  Neither?  Both?

* If God knows what people need, then why do we have to say it?

* What does it mean when prayers go unanswered?

* Is there a "right" way to pray?

If you have a question about prayer to share with Pastor Eric, please email it to redemptioneric@gmail.com.  Thank you, and we hope to see you for this important series.

Is marriage dead?

Is [your] marriage dead?

For thousands of years, the institution of marriage has played a vital role in human societies.  Now, for the first time ever, many are saying that marriage's days are numbered.  But does this have more to do with marriage, or with our self-centered ideal of romance? Marriage probably can't survive in a me-first world in which some people believe to be happily married means your spouse should make you happy all the time (emotionally, sexually, socially, etc).

In truth, marriage was never meant to be bliss for self-centered people; it's a covenant.  And when you do it right, it's painful (like a cross) and beautiful (like a resurrection).

Join us for a series of conversations about love and marriage.  Regardless of where you are on the journey (single, dating, co-habitating, engaged, married, widowed, or divorced, straight or gay), this series will enrich and inspire you as we learn how to create and nurture covenant relationships that last.  

Depression, addiction, and mental illness are very real problems affecting tens of millions of Americans every day.  Left untreated, these conditions can lead to broken homes, lost jobs, self-loathing, and even suicide.  It's important that Christians understand these symptoms are not caused by a lack of faith or spiritual weakness; instead, the root of these conditions can be traced back to genetics, family history, life experience, and many other factors. 

Unfortunately, our response to depression, addiction, and mental illness is too often condescending and trite.  "Just get over it," we say, or "Pick yourself up by the bootstraps."  When we say these things to someone who is depressed, mentally ill, and/or addicted, we imply that s/he must have some control over how s/he feels.  The latest research indicates that many people, especially those who are depressed, addicted, and/or mentally ill, do not have such control over their feelings.

In light of this, what should the Christian response to these issues be?  What might the ancient scriptures have to say to those who are depressed, addicted, and/or mentally ill today?  Join us for this important series of conversations.  We'll approach the topics honestly, and we'll have lots of resources on hand for you to face the invisible struggles of everyday life.

Throughout scripture are examples of God interrupting people’s daily lives to introduce a new plan or challenge someone to rise to the occasion.  Often, God used angels to convey the message.  What are we to make of angels today?  And how does God still interrupt us, wrestle with us, surprise us, and frighten us today? 

During these four weeks, we will ask questions like:

* How has the Church historically supported scientific pursuits, and how have Christians behaved as enemies of science in the past? 

* How does science conflict with the Christian faith?  How can faith and science support one another? 

* What about hot-button issues like evolution, stem-cell research, and the search for extra-terrestrial life?  What should thoughtful Christians believe about these issues?

The glory of Christianity is to conquer by
    forgiveness. – William Blake

Forgiveness … it's the guiding principle of ancient civilizations, the foundation of many faiths, and the heart of Jesus’ revolutionary teachings.  But does it really work?  If so, how?

Most people don't believe in forgiveness.  We watch our backs.  We hold grudges.  We get angry with people who hurt us…and we stay that way for a long time. 

The people of Redemption and Revolution are real people who struggle with the same questions.  Still, we can't help thinking that something is missing when we fail to forgive.  We wonder if, in all our grudge-holding and heart-hardening, we are forsaking one of life’s most basic truths – that in forgiveness there is power to heal and mend all wounds?

Join us in September - on the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 - as we honestly consider the life-changing potential of forgiveness in everyday life.