The Redeemer Pulpit

Why does Luke include a seemingly random story about a 12-year-old Jesus getting lost in Jerusalem? In this verse-by-verse study of Luke 2:39-52, we discover that this "jumpcut" is anything but accidental — it's Luke's carefully crafted demonstration that Jesus' life and mission defy ordinary understanding and demand a response of worship. Walking through this passage, we examine the only window Scripture gives us into Jesus' childhood and find a three-fold portrait: a boy who grew normally, who was filled with unusual wisdom, and upon whom God's grace visibly rested. When the boy Jesus stays behind in the temple — astonishing the leading teachers with His understanding — and then claims God as His own Father in a unique sense, the evidence becomes unmistakable: this is no ordinary child. In this study: ↳ Why Luke frames the passage with references to God's grace on Jesus (vv.40, 52) ↳ What the "infancy gospels" got wrong about Jesus' childhood — and why it matters ↳ The significance of a 12-year-old sitting among Israel's leading teachers ↳ What Jesus meant by "my Father's business" and why it stunned Mary and Joseph ↳ How Jesus' true humanity — learning, growing, asking questions — is essential to the gospel ↳ Why Mary's response of treasuring and meditating is a model for us This sermon is part of our series "The Perfect Man's Arrival," a verse-by-verse study through the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel. 📍 Join us for worship! We'd love to have you this Lord's Day at 10:15 AM — 434 Oak Street, Central Point, OR 97502. Subscribe for weekly expository preaching through the Scriptures. #Luke #VerseByVerse #ExpositoryPreaching #ReformedTheology #BibleStudy #ChildhoodOfJesus #Incarnation

What if the Lord's Supper is more than just a memorial? In this study from our RECALIBRATE series on Acts 2:42, we examine why the early church was devoted to "the breaking of bread"—and discover that this simple meal is actually a miniature of our entire experience of God's grace. Drawing from Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 10-11, and John 6, we explore the historic Protestant understanding of the Lord's Table that many evangelicals have forgotten. This isn't Rome's transubstantiation, but neither is it bare memorialism. The Reformers—Anglican, Presbyterian, and Baptist alike—confessed something richer: that worthy recipients who partake by faith truly receive Christ and all the benefits of His death. In this study: ↳ Why "the breaking of the bread" in Acts 2:42 refers to the Lord's Supper, not ordinary meals ↳ How the Table functions as a visible sign of New Covenant promises ↳ What Jesus meant when He said "my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink" ↳ The spiritual presence of Christ—what Calvin, the Puritans, and the 1689 Confession actually taught ↳ Why divisions over bread and wine preferences miss the entire point ↳ Practical ways to prepare your heart to receive from Christ at the Table This sermon is part of our RECALIBRATE series, walking through the four marks of a healthy church in Acts 2:42.

"Fellowship" is one of the most misunderstood words in the Christian vocabulary. We build fellowship halls, schedule fellowship meals, and talk about the importance of community—but is that what the early church meant when they devoted themselves to "the fellowship"? In this second installment of our Recalibrate series, Pastor Kofi digs into the biblical meaning of fellowship and discovers something far richer than casual hangouts or church socials. The New Testament presents fellowship as a divine reality initiated by God, facilitated by the Spirit, and grounded in our union with Christ. This message challenges some common assumptions about how churches approach fellowship today—separating the spiritual from the social, prioritizing personal needs over corporate edification, and confusing community (the result) with fellowship (the goal). What emerges is a biblical vision of fellowship that calls us to intentional, purposeful participation in the spiritual life we share together in Christ. In this sermon: — What "the fellowship" actually meant in Acts 2:42 — How the Trinity is involved in Christian fellowship — Three superficial substitutes churches often settle for — The connection between fellowship and edification — Why genuine fellowship requires intentionality and a plan #BiblicalFellowship #Acts2 #ChurchLife #ReformedBaptist #ChristianCommunity #Sermon ---

What made the early church so effective? As we begin 2026, we're taking time to examine the biblical foundations of a healthy church—and it starts with what they devoted themselves to first. In Acts 2:42, Luke tells us the first believers "devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching." But what exactly was that teaching? Why did it carry such weight? And what does commitment to it actually look like in practice today? In this opening message of our Recalibrate series, Pastor Kofi unpacks why the apostles' teaching wasn't just good information. For the early church, it was a matter of spiritual life and death. Drawing from the sermons recorded throughout Acts, we discover a pattern of teaching that was comprehensive, consistent, and centered on Christ. Whether you've been following Jesus for decades or you're just exploring the faith, this message will challenge you to examine your own relationship to the preaching and teaching of the Word. In this sermon: — Who the apostles were and why their authority matters — What the apostles actually taught (with examples from Acts) — Why we still need this teaching today — Practical implications for churches that want to be Word-centered Redeemer Bible Fellowship is a Reformed and baptistic in Southern Oregon committed to the faithful exposition of Scripture. Join us each Lord's Day as we worship God and sit under the teaching of His Word. Connect with us: Website: https://www.redeemermedford.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redeemerbiblemedford X: https://www.x.com/Redeemer541 #ExpositoryPreaching #Acts2 #ReformedBaptist #ChurchHealth #BibleTeaching #Sermon

The Christmas story is one of the most familiar passages in all of Scripture—but have we grown so accustomed to it that we've missed what Luke is actually showing us? In this verse-by-verse study of Luke 2:1-20, we examine why Luke includes the birth narrative and discover two profound truths about how God's Kingdom operates: it arrives in unassuming ways yet announces itself unmistakably. In this sermon, we explore: How God uses ordinary providence - things like a Roman census, a crowded inn, a feeding trough -to accomplish His eternal purposes. The simplicity of Christ's birth as a foil for the magnitude of who He is. Why shepherds were the perfect recipients for heaven's greatest announcement. The loaded significance of every word in the angelic proclamation: "Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord." What the heavenly host's celebration teaches us about grace and God's favor. This passage reminds us that God's Kingdom doesn't advance through political clout or spectacular displays of power but through the small, the simple, and the seemingly insignificant - all orchestrated by His sovereign hand. --- Subscribe to follow along as we continue our verse-by-verse journey through Luke's Gospel and discover the Perfect Man whose arrival changed everything. Redeemer Bible Fellowship is a Reformed and Baptistic church in Central Point, OR committed to verse-by-verse expository preaching through the Scriptures.

Why does an elderly priest burst into prophetic song after months of silence? In this verse-by-verse exposition, we examine Zechariah's Spirit-inspired hymn—known historically as the Benedictus—and discover three iron-clad reasons every believer has to praise the Lord. Walking through Luke 1:67-80, we explore how this prophetic song serves as a divine commentary on God's plan of salvation, rooted in three major biblical covenants: the Davidic covenant's promise of a warrior-king, the Abrahamic covenant's oath to create a worshiping people, and the New Covenant's provision of lasting forgiveness and true knowledge of God. **In this study:** ​​↳ What it means for God to "visit" His people and why that matters for you ↳ The violent imagery behind "horn of salvation" and what it reveals about the seriousness of sin ↳ Why God swears oaths when He cannot lie ↳ The connection between forgiveness of sins and truly knowing God ↳ How John the Baptist's ministry signals the arrival of the New Covenant era This sermon is part of our series "The Perfect Man's Arrival," a verse-by-verse study through the opening chapters of Luke's Gospel. --- **Subscribe** for weekly expository preaching through the Scriptures. #Luke #VerseByVerse #ExpositoryPreaching #ReformedTheology #BibleStudy #Benedictus #Christmas

What does the right response to God's fulfilled promises look like? In this message, we witness the birth of John the Baptist and discover how different people respond when God moves in power. As we continue our verse-by-verse study through Luke's opening chapter, we transition from promise to fulfillment. Elizabeth gives birth to the son God promised, and the community witnesses something extraordinary—the Lord is moving after 400 years of silence. Through this passage, we see contrasting responses: Elizabeth and Zechariah respond in faith and obedience, while others show spiritual dullness. The broader community responds with reverent fear and deep reflection on what God is doing. These responses teach us a crucial lesson: The fulfillment of God's Word calls for faith, not unbelief. This passage offers hope for anyone who has struggled with doubt—like Zechariah, you too can move from faltering faith to confident trust. Perfect for those seeking expositional preaching that connects biblical narrative to everyday Christian living. **Part of our series:** Luke Part 1 - The Perfect Man's Arrival 📖 **Scripture:** Luke 1:57-66 ⛪ **Redeemer Bible Fellowship** | Southern Oregon --- Subscribe for more verse-by-verse exposition through Luke's Gospel and practical Reformed teaching.

Glorifying the Promise-Keeping God Pt 1 | Luke 1:46-56 When God acts, His people rejoice with song! In this message, we examine Mary's Magnificat—one of the most beautiful and Scripture-saturated songs in all of the Bible. As we continue our verse-by-verse study through Luke's Gospel, we encounter the second of four songs in Luke's opening chapter. Mary's song isn't just personal praise—it's a declaration that God's ancient promises are being fulfilled through the child in her womb. The Song's Four Stanzas: - Praise for God's grace (46-48a) - Praise for God's victory (48b-50) - Praise for God's ways (51-53) - Praise for God's covenant (54-55) Through Mary's words, we discover that Jesus' arrival was no accident of history. This song signals a crucial shift from God speaking to God acting—from promises made to promises kept. Mary understood that her child would be the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham and the defeat of humanity's greatest enemy. **Key Applications:** - Rejoice in the unusual grace of God - Rejoice in truth, not just feelings - Rejoice in the God who keeps His promises This passage challenges us to consider: Do we truly worship God based on His great acts and objective truth, or merely on our subjective feelings? Perfect for anyone seeking biblical exposition that connects Old Testament promises to New Testament fulfillment. **Part of our series:** Luke Part 1 - The Perfect Man's Arrival 📖 **Scripture:** Luke 1:46-56 ⛪ **Redeemer Bible Fellowship** | Southern Oregon --- *Subscribe for more verse-by-verse exposition through Luke and solid Reformed Biblical teaching.*

Join us as we continue our verse-by-verse study through Luke's Gospel, examining the remarkable account of the Annunciation. In this message, we explore how God's Word produces faith and joy in His waiting people when we hear it the right way. Through three powerful scenes - Gabriel's announcement to Mary, Mary's faithful response, and Elizabeth's Spirit-filled rejoicing - we discover what genuine faith looks like in the face of impossible promises. Unlike Zechariah's doubt, Mary's humble submission and expectation model the proper response to God's Word. This passage reveals not just the miraculous conception of Jesus, but Heaven's summary of the Gospel itself: a Savior will be born, a King will be established, and God's ancient promises will be fulfilled—all in Jesus Christ. **Key Themes:** - Understanding Mary's response versus Zechariah's doubt - The fulfillment of Old Testament promises in Jesus - What faithful submission to God's Word looks like - How the Gospel calls us to both trust and obedience Perfect for anyone seeking solid biblical exposition and practical application from Luke's Gospel. **Part of our series:** Luke Part 1 - The Perfect Man's Arrival 📖 **Scripture:** Luke 1:26-45 ⛪ **Redeemer Bible Fellowship** | Southern Oregon --- *Subscribe for more verse-by-verse exposition through the Gospel of Luke and other books of the Bible.*

You've been praying. You've been faithful. You've been waiting... and waiting... and waiting. Sound familiar? In this powerful message from Luke 1:5-25, we meet an elderly couple who'd been praying for decades with no answer in sight. But when God finally speaks, His answer is bigger—and stranger—than anything they could have imagined. In this message, discover: ✅ Why God's promises aren't bound to your current circumstances ✅ How God's sovereign plan often defies our expectations (and why that's good news) ✅ The critical difference between honest questions and unbelief ✅ What faithful living looks like between promise and fulfillment Zechariah wanted a baby. God gave him John the Baptist—the forerunner of the Messiah. God's delays aren't accidents; they're part of His eternal purpose to accomplish something greater than we could ask or imagine. The Bottom Line: Be assured of God's power to fulfill His promises—and live faithfully in the meantime. This isn't prosperity gospel—it's the hard truth that righteousness doesn't exempt us from trials, but God uses even our hardest seasons as the canvas for His greatest work. Whether you're waiting on God's promises for breakthrough, provision, or direction, this expositional message will ground your faith in Scripture when the waiting gets hard.

Ever wonder if the Bible is really trustworthy? Or if the Gospel is truly for someone like YOU? In this opening message of our new series through Luke's Gospel, we're getting our bearings for an incredible journey through the life of the Perfect Man—Jesus Christ. **In this message, you'll discover:** ✅ Why Luke's Gospel is built on rock-solid eyewitness accounts ✅ How a Greek doctor investigated the greatest story ever told ✅ Why the Gospel is for EVERYONE—regardless of background or bank account ✅ What it means that Jesus is the "last Adam" who succeeded where we all fail No servants, yet they called Him Master. No degree, yet they called Him Teacher. No army, yet kings feared Him. He conquered the world without winning a single battle. **This is the story of the Perfect Man.** Whether you're a longtime believer needing to be grounded in truth or someone exploring faith for the first time, this message will show you why the Gospel of Luke matters—and why Jesus changes everything. 📖 Luke 1:1-4 | Redeemer Bible Fellowship #Luke #Gospel #Jesus #BibleStudy #ChristianSermon

First of two Wednesday Night Bible classes on Penal Substitutionary Atonement