Teaching – RENEW Church

Renew Church family, This Sunday we gather in house churches, for relational renewal. Along with a teaching on Philemon (see video or listen below), we draw your attention to the announcement about the upcoming men’s retreat. Listen: Link: Renew Men’s Retreat with Harbor Oregon churches (March 10–12) Philemon 1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. 8 Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9 yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you—I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus— 10 I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11 (Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12 I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. 13 I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. 15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16 no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17 So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me. 18 If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20 Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. 22 At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Announcements: Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30 PM. » Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6 AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) Renew Men’s Retreat with Harbor network churches is March 10-12, with earlybird signups now online. Women’s Getaway 2023 is booked for April 21-23; registrations will be available on Planning Center soon! Mark your calendars: Family Camp at Metzler Park is booked for August 11-13, 2023. Next Sunday 2/12, we resume discipleship classes at 9:30 and whole church worship gathering at 10:30. More on this new pattern for Sundays (9:30 & 10:30) here. Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045 Audio for this message may be played above, and is included in the Renew Church podcast: subscribe on Apple Podcats here, on Google Play podcasts here, on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Renew Church family, This Sunday, we will reach the midpoint of the Advent season; the point at which our expectation gives way to hope at the declaration of His coming. Our main Scripture will be Luke 1:1-4, 25-56. Hope Dawning indeed. Let us consider how and why Mary says her soul magnifies the Lord and rejoices in God her Savior!  Been a wet and cold beginning of Advent. Yet, some happy news to share, and see: We enter week three of the Advent Catechism: Soon after, God sent the angel Gabriel to visit a young Jewish girl named: Mary. Mary was frightened, but Gabriel said to her: “Do not be afraid.” Gabriel told her that she had found great favor with God and she would be: blessed. She was going to give birth to a king; the child would be the anticipated: Son of God. In humble belief, Mary responded: “I am your servant.” Announcements: We will celebrate Christ’s birth together with a 10:30am Gathering on Christmas Day. A caroling choir is in the works; please reach out to Brooke R. if you are interested in joining!  Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30PM. Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. Just for fun, check out the heating solution going in at the building below! Our second round of discipleship classes is underway! If you haven’t yet, please register on Church Center here » https://Godrenews.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1493281. More on our new pattern on Sundays (9:30 & 10:30) here. Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6:00 AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30 PM. » Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045 Audio for this message may be played above, and is included in the Renew Church podcast: subscribe on Apple Podcats here, on Google Play podcasts here, on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Renew Church family, Early November announcements for the Renew Church family, as we lean into Autumn. This Sunday’s House Church coincides with the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. As we gather, we will lean into what it means to partner with and intercede for our suffering brothers and sisters across the globe. We will be looking at the text Isaiah 11:9-10. Announcements: A gap has opened up in our Serving Team arrangement; all of our former Hospitality team members are now teaching in kid’s discipleship classes and need replacements! We need two people for every 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sunday. » Please email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you can step in! A detailed description of this hospitality position is noted below. Our second round of discipleship classes is underway! If you haven’t yet, please register on Church Center here » https://Godrenews.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1493281. More on our new pattern on Sundays (9:30 & 10:30) here. Renew Men’s Huddle on Thursday, 6AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday, 6:30PM. » Email Anna at hello@godrenews.us if you’d like more information. View or listen below to this quick word Pastor Jeff about some of these announcements: Or listen: Hospitality roles description for Sunday gatherings: Takes place for 15 minutes before discipleship classes (9:15-9:30am) & 15 minutes before the gathering (10:15-10:30am). Includes greeting guests and orienting them to the building and available classes, checking kids in, and passing out connect cards and bulletins. Formerly known as greeters. Not recommended if you are currently leading a discipleship class. Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045 Audio for this message may be played above, and is included in the Renew Church podcast: subscribe on Apple Podcats here, on Google Play podcasts here, on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Renew Church family, Early September announcements for the Renew Church family, as we lean into this new season. As we gather in homes this weekend, we will be revisiting what we have covered so far in Colossians 1:1-14.  Let us share what the Spirit has shown us and encourage one another in prayer, discussion, and praise. View or listen below to this quick word Pastor Jeff about the many things we’re up to, particularly in regards to our new discipleship classes: Or listen: Announcements: Discipleship classes begin September 11th! » Please let us know which classes your family will be attending by registering here. In light of the new Gathering rhythm, our Serving Teams have been revamped. We will take this opportunity to switch things up for those of you that would like to serve on different teams (and if you’re not currently serving, consider this your formal invitation!). » Snag your preferred team and Sunday here.  A Revival Building clean-up day is on the horizon! We’re working with the studio to get a date dialed in before the weather turns, so stay tuned for more info. Renew Men’s Huddle next Thursday, 6AM at Coffee Rush (900 Main St. OC) Women’s evening Bible Study is starting back up on Tuesdays, beginning September 13th. » Contact Anna Hunter (hello@godrenews.us) for more information.  Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045 Audio for this message may be played above, and is included in the Renew Church podcast: subscribe on Apple Podcats here, on Google Play podcasts here, on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

For the Lord will not forsake his people;     he will not abandon his heritage; for justice will return to the righteous,     and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who rises up for me against the wicked?     Who stands up for me against evildoers? —Psalm 94:14-16 As we meet in homes and house churches on Sunday, August 7th, let us lean in with hope and joy. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as audio, and on podcast) reflecting on Psalm 94. On Sunday, August 14th we gather for worship together at 10:00. The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Teaching: listen Scripture reading: Psalm 94 The Lord Will Not Forsake His People 94 O Lord, God of vengeance,     O God of vengeance, shine forth! 2 Rise up, O judge of the earth;     repay to the proud what they deserve! 3 O Lord, how long shall the wicked,     how long shall the wicked exult? 4 They pour out their arrogant words;     all the evildoers boast. 5 They crush your people, O Lord,     and afflict your heritage. 6 They kill the widow and the sojourner,     and murder the fatherless; 7 and they say, “The Lord does not see;     the God of Jacob does not perceive.” 8 Understand, O dullest of the people!     Fools, when will you be wise? 9 He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see? 10 He who disciplines the nations, does he not rebuke? He who teaches man knowledge— 11     the Lord—knows the thoughts of man,     that they are but a breath. 12 Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord,     and whom you teach out of your law, 13 to give him rest from days of trouble,     until a pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not forsake his people;     he will not abandon his heritage; 15 for justice will return to the righteous,     and all the upright in heart will follow it. 16 Who rises up for me against the wicked?     Who stands up for me against evildoers? 17 If the Lord had not been my help,     my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. 18 When I thought, “My foot slips,”     your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. 19 When the cares of my heart are many,     your consolations cheer my soul. 20 Can wicked rulers be allied with you,     those who frame injustice by statute? 21 They band together against the life of the righteous     and condemn the innocent to death. 22 But the Lord has become my stronghold,     and my God the rock of my refuge. 23 He will bring back on them their iniquity     and wipe them out for their wickedness;     the Lord our God will wipe them out. Or view: Discussing and applying the gospel in community, leading to prayer. Think on these questions, and “Needs and Names.” Questions for Bible study:  What are the cries of the righteous when facing injustice? (verses 1-3) How are the evil deeds described in verses 4-7? What consolation remains for God’s righteous people? (verses 8-15) Who guards the righteous and exacts vengeance on the wicked? (verses 16-23) What the role of the righteous in relationship to those who are oppressed? (See Psalm 82:4, Proverbs 24:11) What are our needs? Share and pray. Who do we know who needs to know the love of Christ? Let us each name them and pray for each personally. Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” —Deuteronomy 33:27a Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,     for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;     but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,     that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;     righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground,     and righteousness looks down from the sky. —Psalm 85:8-11 As we meet in homes and house churches on Pentecost Sunday, June 5th, let us lean in with hope and joy. Pentecost Sunday is when we remember when the people of God became as it were like burning bushes (Acts 2, cf. Exodus 3), displaying and proclaiming glory of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting in advance of Pentecost Sunday and the beginning of this Summer in the Psalms (85-94). On Sunday, June 12th we gather for worship together at 10:00. The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: Psalm 85 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. Lord, you were favorable to your land;     you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people;     you covered all their sin. Selah You withdrew all your wrath;     you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation,     and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever?     Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again,     that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord,     and grant us your salvation. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,     for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;     but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,     that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;     righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground,     and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good,     and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him     and make his footsteps a way. Teaching: listen or view Discussing and applying the gospel in community, leading to prayer. Think of the four questions in the Gospel Grid, and “Needs and Names.” Who is God? What has He done? Who are we? How shall we then live? What are our needs? Share and pray. Who do we know who needs to know the love of Christ? Let us each name them and pray for each personally. Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

“… There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. … ” —James 4:12a As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, May 1st, let us lean in with hope and joy, honesty and honor. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting the relationship of faith and works. On Sunday, May 8th we gather for worship together at 10:00. The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: James 4:11-17 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. Teaching: listen Or view: Discussing and applying the gospel in community:  Character: How are our words and our plans reflecting how Jesus is our Lord? Have I spoken well of others? Have all my plans for life been submitted to King Jesus? Omission: What have we left undone in our lives? Is there any command from God I have been slow to obey? Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?  Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?  Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

On Resurrection Sunday, April 17th, we gathered to worship the risen Christ. Here is teaching from that celebration and worship gathering. He is risen. Christ is risen, indeed! Scripture reading: Luke 24:1-12 Teaching: On the Resurrection Road with King Jesus Listen: Gathering plan (order of service) 2022-04-17-Renew-Resurrection-Sunday-gathering-guideDownload Benediction Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen —Hebrews 13:20-21 Audio for this message may be played above, and is included in the Renew Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. —Proverbs 10:11 As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, April 3rd, let us lean in with hope and joy. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting the relationship of faith and works. On Sunday, March 27th we gather for worship together at 10:00. 2022-04-03 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload Kids activity pages: kids page for ages 3yrs+ kids page for ages 7yrs+ The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: James 3:1-12 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Teaching: listen Or view: Discussing and applying the gospel in community:  Sharing: Have you ever had to apologize for something you’ve said? Tell of a time someone spoke words to you that were life-giving and significant. Character: Since the fruit of our lips can both bless and curse, how do you see your words heal, encourage, and help others this week?  Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? What will you say to this person?  Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

“A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week without knowing the gospel.” —C.H. Spurgeon As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, March 20th, let us lean in with hope and joy. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting the relationship of faith and works. On Sunday, March 27th we gather for worship together at 10:00. 2022-03-20 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload Kids activity pages: kids page for ages 3yrs+ kids page for ages 7yrs+ The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Teaching: listen Or view: Discussing and applying the gospel in community:  Character: The fruit of a person’s live reveals the root. If the root is faith in Christ, how is the fruit of our lives to be seen and enjoyed by others? Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?  Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?  Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Teaching from Sunday, March 13th. We gathered to sing, pray, meet at the communion table, and sit under God’s Word. Call to Worship | Scripture reading: Psalm 145:14-20 The Lord upholds all who are falling     and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you,     and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand;     you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways     and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him,     to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;     he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him,     but all the wicked he will destroy. Audio of teaching on Partiality, Judgement & Mercy Listen: Scripture reading: James 2:1-13 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Praying in the Kingdom: The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. We continue learning with the North Star Catechism: Q22: Why does God tell us, “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy”?  response: So we will rest in God and remember the finished work of Jesus. Genesis 2:3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation. 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. Benediction Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. —Hebrews 13:20 Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Renew Church family, Mid-March announcements for the Renew Church family, as we lean into Spring. Of note: Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend, so be aware that we spring forward an hour. Sunday gathering on March 13th at 10:00 AM. There’s more about our pattern of gatherings, and helpful visuals too. View or listen below… Or listen: Some of the announcements shared in video: We will meet in house churches next Sunday 3/20, then again all together here at the Revival Building on Sunday 3/27. » Get connected to a house church by emailing connect@Godrenews.us.  This week’s announcement video outlines our new pattern of gatherings set to begin in April.  Lookahead: Women’s Getaway (April 8-10) Renew Family Camp at Metzler Park (July 8-10). Registration now online on Church Center » Godrenews.us/register Or viewed vertically: Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast Online giving to Renew Church here, or checks mailed to PO Box 3222, Oregon City, OR 97045 Audio for this message may be played above, and is included in the Renew Church podcast: subscribe on Apple Podcats here, on Google Play podcasts here, on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? —James 2:1, 5 As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, March 6th, let us lean in with hope and joy. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting on the command to not show partiality or favoritism as Christians. Let us recognize what Jesus has done, and what He does not do. On Sunday, March 13th we gather for worship together at 10:00. 2022-03-06 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload Kids activity pages: kids page for ages 3yrs+ kids page for ages 7yrs+ The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: James 2:1-13 Teaching: listen Or view: Discussing and applying the gospel in community:  Character: when and in what situations are you personally tempted to show partiality or to be a respecter of persons? What is God’s solution to this dilemma? (see 2:1, 5, 8) Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?  Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?  Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all that he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day and made him to appear, not to all the people but to us who had been chosen by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” —Acts 10:34-43 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. —James 1:19-21 As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, February 20th, let us lean in with hope and joy. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) on the relationship of listening and anger, our relationship with God and one another. On Sunday, February 27th we gather for worship together at 10:00. 2022-02-20-Renew-in-homes-gathering-guideDownload The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: James 1:19-21 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Teaching: listen Or view: Discussing and applying the gospel in community:  Listening: what is a challenge you face in listening to God and people? When do you get angry? How is Christ’s “implanted word” (the gospel) transforming you?  Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?  Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?  Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” —Exodus 34:5-7 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. —James 1:12 As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, February 6th, let us lean in with hope and joy. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below as video, and on podcast) reflecting on how one’s status in this life (whether lowly or rich) is less important than the future rewards for all of us who are in Christ. On Sunday, February 13th we gather for worship together at 10:00. 2022-02-06-Renew-in-homes-gathering-guideDownload The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: James 1:2-12 Teaching: listen Or view: Discussing and applying the gospel in community:  Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus? How can we pray for you?  Names: Who do you know who is under trials and how can we pray for them today? Who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?  Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death.” —Revelation 2:10-11 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Count it all joy, my brothers [and sisters], when you meet trials of various kinds … —James 1:2 As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, January 16th, let us lean in with joy. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below, and on podcast) reflecting on how the gospel works in our trials as we trust Christ all the more. On Sunday, January 23rd we gather for worship together at 10:00. Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. The Lord’s Prayer (together) Scripture reading: James 1:1-4 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Teaching: listen Discussing and applying the gospel in community: Needs: what challenges are you facing, and needing to endure, on the road of patient endurance (steadfastness) in following Jesus?  Names: who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?  How can we together help one another to “count it all joy” in our trials? Who do you see that is steadfast with joy in their trials and you see the character of Christ forming in them? Welcome to the Book of James An introduction from Bible Project: Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. —James 1:5 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

“Such and so many are the Saviour’s achievements that follow from His Incarnation, that to try to number them is like gazing at the open sea and trying to count the waves.” —Athanasius As we meet in homes and house churches on the fourth Sunday of Advent, December 19th, let us celebrate the birth of Christ and His soon return. Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below, and on podcast) reflecting the Gospel of Luke 2:1-7. Worship plan As we worship in homes and house churches on Sunday, here’s the guiding worship plan document (PDF), which includes: 2021-12-19 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload Call to Worship and Scripture readings Worship together in song (see songs below as you remain home)Helpful guidance: “Worshiping with Littles“ Also, see kids activity pages (PDF) for ages 3yrs+, and ages 7yrs+ An audio teaching, heard below We will gather all together on Christmas Eve this Friday, 12/24 @ 5:00 pm at the Revival Building, as well as on Sunday, December 26th at 10:00 am.  Both 12/24 & 12/26 gatherings will span about an hour, with all generations together. The service plan for these two are distinct, with separate messages, differing songs, and participating at the Lord’s Table (Communion) together both times.  Call to Worship | Scripture: Micah 5:1-5a Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;     siege is laid against us; with a rod they strike the judge of Israel     on the cheek. But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,     who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me     one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old,     from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time     when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return     to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,     in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great     to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace. Let’s sing together! The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Advent Catechism: An Unlikely Rescuer Ready to give birth, Mary and Joseph were forced to return to Bethlehem. Unable to find room at the inn, their only option was to stay out in the stable. After giving birth, Mary wrapped the child in swaddling cloths and placed Him in a manger. Fulfilling hundreds of years of prophecy, Messiah is here; His name is Jesus. The wait is over and the silence is broken: God is with us. Scripture reading: Gospel of Luke 2:1-7 Teaching: listen Discussing together and applying the humble story of the birth of Christ: What does the simple description of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2:1-7 tell us about God and everyone mentioned? How might it be surprising? How is it fitting? Let us pray together, expressing our responses to Jesus’ humble birth and the beauty of the Incarnation. Needs: what needs do you bring to Christ today? How can He care for you? Names: who do you know who needs to draw near to Christ? Let’s pray for each of these loved people. Let us worship Christ together, singing, praying, speaking well of God and others. Quote: ‘It seemed good to the Greeks of Asia, in the opinion of the high priest Apollonius of Menophilus Azanitus: “Since Providence, which has ordered all things and is deeply interested in our life, has set in most perfect order by giving us Augustus, whom she filled with virtue that he might benefit humankind, sending him as a savior, both for us and for our descendants, that he might end war and arrange all things, and since he, Caesar, by his appearance (excelled even our anticipations), surpassing all previous benefactors, and not even leaving to posterity any hope of surpassing what he has done, and since the birthday of the god Augustus was the beginning of the good tidings [εὐαγγέλιον; euangelion] for the world that came by reason of him,” which Asia resolved in Smyrna.’ —Calendar Inscription of Priene, dated 9 BC Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb: veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’incarnate Deity, pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. —Second verse of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” by Charles Wesley Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Renew Church family, December announcements for the Renew Church family, as we finish out 2021. Here’s an update on our Mission giving. Sunday gatherings on 12/12 and 12/26 at 10 AM and Christmas Eve 12/24 at 5 PM. The different gatherings on 12/24 and 12/26 will be about an hour, all generations together. View or listen below… Or listen: Online giving to Renew Church here Links below for subscribing to the Renew podcast Learn more about Harbor Network Audio for this message may be played above, and is included in the Renew Church podcast: subscribe on Apple Podcats here, on Google Play podcasts here, on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. If you want to be in the loop, opt-in to those emails at the top of this site. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

Advent begins… What is Advent?  “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which means coming or arrival. Thus Advent is the season of waiting and hope: when we look back to Christ’s first coming, God’s incarnation as a baby born in Bethlehem, as well as look forward to His second coming, when He will return to renew and redeem every part of fallen creation. Jesus Christ has come and will come again! #RenewAdvent Call to Worship | Scripture reading: Lamentations 3:19-26 Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Audio of teaching on Behold! Keep Watching Listen: Scripture reading: Isaiah 64:1-9 Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence— as when fire kindles brushwood and the fire causes water to boil— to make your name known to your adversaries, and that the nations might tremble at your presence! When you did awesome things that we did not look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence. From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. —Isaiah 64:1-4 Praying in the Kingdom: The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Benediction To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. —1 Timothy 1:17 Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)

We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything. —Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 6:3-10) As we meet in homes and house churches this Sunday, November 21st, let us lean in with thanksgiving. We surely have needs to share, and know people who need the genuine love of Jesus to overwhelm their hearts, whether those we will see this coming week, or in other places.  Teaching and singing will be in-person for those meeting in house churches. Pastor Jeff has also posted a teaching (below, and on podcast) reflecting on how the gospel works in patience and paradox, a follow-up to last Sunday’s teaching, Outside-In and Inside-Out. Worship plan As we worship in homes and house churches on Sunday, here’s the guiding worship plan document (PDF), which includes: 2021-11-21 Renew in homes gathering guideDownload Call to Worship and Scripture readings Worship together in song (see songs below as you remain home)Helpful guidance: “Worshiping with Littles“ Also, see kids activity pages (PDF) for ages 3yrs+, and ages 7yrs+ An audio teaching, heard below On Sunday, November 28th we gather for worship together at 10:00. Call to Worship | Scripture: 1st Chronicles 29:11-14 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. Let’s sing together! The Lord’s Prayer (together) Our Father, who is in heaven, holy is Your name. Your kingdom come; Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. Scripture reading: 2nd Corinthians 5:20-6:13 Teaching: listen Discussing and applying the patience and paradox of gospel ministry in community: Needs: what obstacles are you facing, and needing to overcome, on the road of patient endurance in following Jesus?  Names: who do you know who needs to know the saving love of Jesus? How have you been sent into their life as an ambassador?  Is your heart “wide open” to this person? How can you pray for them today?  The list of troubles Paul and friends endured is remarkable. In verse 6 he writes how they did it: “by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love;” and goes on to note the weapons for waging this war of kindness and goodness: “by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right and and for the left” (v. 7). » What virtue in this list stands out to you? Why?  The list of paradoxes in verses 8-10 show ways in which we can “walk by faith and not by sight” (5:7). » Which of those noted is by personal experience most meaningful for you?  Let us be sure we provide no hindrances to people believing in Jesus, by putting up obstacles to their genuine seeking and faith. Instead, let us seek people the way the Master does, and his apprentices show us how. Quote: This means that every Christian must consciously be in a witnessing stance toward all persons who are not already members of the Messianic kingdom. First of all, we should be filled with redemptive concern for family members, friends and everyone at work: superiors, subordinates and peers. The application sections of Paul’s letters repeatedly insist that all these relationships should be conducted with Christian love, respect, forbearance, obedience and forgiveness. Christian mission demands that wherever we find hostility, resentment or any other kind of static disturbing our communication with others, we must resolve it so that we may be clear witnesses to the gospel. All too often we become apathetic and use one another as impersonal instruments. But the spiritual situation demands that we be concerned for the welfare of everyone around us, not overlooking their eternal destiny. —Richard Lovelace, Renewal as a Way of Life, 164 Praying together: bringing spiritual and practical needs and opportunities to God our Father Stand together, every generation, in your home and proclaim the glories of King Jesus — of His goodness, greatness, grace and glory, until He returns!  Responding in songs of praise Playlist of all Renew worship songs recorded and released Benediction Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. —Romans 16:25-27 Let us take this occasion to gather in homes, investing with intention and joy Sunday morning to worship, pray, and read Scripture together. We are bringing the Gospel home when we worship Christ. As these weeks and months add up you may experience acute financial or emotional difficulty. If you are in need of assistance, whether financial or in practical ways, please email hello@Godrenews.us or reach out personally to any of the church Elders.  Audio for this teaching may be played above, and is included in the RENEW Church podcast: subscribe in iTunes here, or Google Play podcasts here, now on Spotify podcasts here, or access the church podcast feed directly here. Prior teaching videos are posted on this YouTube channel. (Subscribe below for all new blog posts via email.)