NOVEMBER 2004 ALL OF LIFE IS REPENTANCE BY TIM KELLER artin Luther opened the In we only are sorry for our acceptance! In religion we M by nailing “The because of its consequences to us. earn our with our Ninety-Five Theses”to the door of It will bring us punishment — and repentance, but in the we Wittenberg Cathedral.The very first we want to avoid that. So we just receive it. of the theses was:“Our Lord and repent. But the gospel tells us that Last, religious repentance is Master Christ… willed the sin can’t ultimately bring us into “bitter all the way down.” In reli- entire life of believers to be one of condemnation (Rom 8:1.) Its gion our only hope is to live a repentance.” On the surface this heinousness is therefore what it good enough life for God to bless looks a little bleak! Luther seems to does to God—it displeases and us.Therefore every instance of sin be saying Christians will never be dishonors him.Thus in religion, and repentance is traumatic, unnat- making much progress. But of repentance is self-centered; the ural, and horribly threatening. course that wasn’t Luther’s point at gospel makes it God-centered. In Only under great duress does a all. He was saying that repentance religion we are mainly sorry for the religious person admit they have is the way we make progress in the consequences of sin, but in the sinned—because their only hope Christian life. Indeed, pervasive, all- gospel we are sorryfor the sin itself. is their moral goodness. of-life-repentance is the best sign Furthermore,‘religious’ repen- But in the gospel the knowl- that we are growing deeply and tance is self-righteous.Repentance edge of our acceptance in Christ rapidly into the character of Jesus. can easily become a form of makes it easier to admit we are ‘atoning’ for the sin. Religious flawed (because we know we won’t The transformation of repentance. repentance often becomes a form be cast off if we confess the true It is important to consider how the of self-flagellation in which we depths of our sinfulness.) Our hope gospel affects and transforms the act convince God (and ourselves) is in Christ’s , not our of repentance. In ‘religion’ the pur- that we are so truly miserable and own—so it is not so traumatic to pose of repentance is basically to regretful that we deserve to be admit our weaknesses and lapses. keep God happy so he will continue forgiven. In the gospel, however, In religion we repent less and less to bless you and answer your we know that Jesus suffered and often. But the more accepted and .This means that ‘religious was miserable for our sin.We do loved in the gospel we feel the repentance’is a) selfish, b) self-right- not have to make ourselves suffer more and more often we will be eous, c) and bitter all the way to in order to merit forgiveness.We repenting. the bottom. But in the gospel the simply receive the forgiveness And though of course there is purpose of repentance is to repeat- earned by Christ. always some bitterness in any edly tap into the joy of our union (1 John 1:8) says that God for- repentance, in the gospel there is with Christ in order to weaken our gives us because he is ‘just.’That is ultimately a sweetness.This creates need to do anything contrary to a remarkable statement. It would a radical new dynamic for personal God’s heart. be unjust of God to ever deny us growth.The more you see your own ‘Religious’ repentance is selfish. forgiveness, becauseJesus earned flaws and , the more precious, (continued on page 2)

REDEEMER’S OFFICE LOCATION AND ADDRESS HAVE CHANGED We are now at: 1359 Broadway (Between W. 36th & 37th Streets) • Fourth Floor • NY, NY 10018-7102 The phone number will stay the same: 212-808-4460.

INSIDE: • REDEEEMER MEALS MINISTRY • ACHANGED HEART, A CHANGED LIFE. •Education Forum 2004 •“Discover Your Strengths” Seminar • ADVERTISING AND MARKETING GROUP: KICKOFF LUNCHEON ALL OF LIFE IS REPENTANCE CONT. FROM FRONT PAGE electrifying, and amazing God’s decreasing disdain (since I am a Repent like this: Consider the free grace appears to you. But on the sinner too), b) decreasing pain grace of Jesus until there is a) no other hand, the more aware you are over criticism (since I should not cowardly avoidance of hard things of God’s grace and acceptance in value human approval over God’s (since Jesus faced evil for me), b) Christ, the more you able you are love.) In light of his grace I can no anxious or rash behavior (since to drop your denials and self- let go of the need to keep up a Jesus’ death proves God cares and defenses and admit the true dimen- good image—it is too great a will watch over me). It takes pride sions of your sin.The sin under all burden and now unnecessary. to be anxious — I am not wise other sins is a lack of joy in Christ. Consider free grace until I expe- enough to know how my life rience grateful, restful joy. should go. Consider free grace The disciplines of gospel-repentance. until I experience calm thought- If you clearly understand these Burning love (vs. indifference) fulness and strategic boldness. two different ways to go about Have I spoken or thought unkind- repentance, then (and only then!) ly of anyone? Am I justifying Godly motivations (a ‘single eye’) you can profit greatly from a regular myself by caricaturing (in my Am I doing what I am doing for and exacting discipline of self- mind) someone else? Have I been God’s glory and the good of others examination and repentance. I’ve impatient and irritable? Have I or am I being driven by fears, need found that the practices of the 18th been self-absorbed and indifferent for approval, love of comfort and century Methodist leaders George and inattentive to people? ease, need for control, hunger for Whitefield and JohnWesley have acclaim and power, or the ‘fear of been helpful to me here. Repent like this:Consider the free man?’Am I looking at anyone with In a January 9, 1738, letter to a grace of Jesus until there is a) no envy? Am I giving in to any of even friend, GeorgeWhitefield laid out an coldness or unkindness (think of the first motions of lust or gluttony? order for regular repentance. the sacrificial love of Christ for Am I spending my time on urgent (He ordinarily did his inventory at you), b) no impatience (think of things rather than important things night.) He wrote: God give me a his patience with you), and c) no because of these inordinate desires? deep humility and a burning love, indifference. Consider free grace a well-guided zeal and a single eye, until I show warmth and affec- Repent like this: How does Jesus and then let men and devils do their tion. God was infinitely patient provide for me what I am looking worst!” Here is one way to use this and attentive to me, out of grace. for in these other things? Pray:“O order in gospel-grounded repentance. Lord Jesus, make me happy enough Wise courage (vs. anxiety) in you to avoid sin and wise Deep humility (vs. pride) Have I avoided people or tasks enough in you to avoid danger, Have I looked down on anyone? that I know I should face? Have I that I may always do what is Have I been too stung by criticism? been anxious and worried? Have right in your sight, in your Have I felt snubbed and ignored? I failed to be circumspect or have name I pray,Amen.” Repent like this: Consider the free I been rash and impulsive? grace of Jesus until I sense a) NOVEMBER IS OFFICER NOMINATION MONTH

How Do I Nominate Someone? 3) Obtain a nomination form from You may also send it into the Redeemer’s website at office by mail* or place it in the 1)You must be a member to www.redeemer.com (under offering basket during any of the nominate another member. Diaconate, click on Nomination Sundays in November. Form) or pick up a form at any 2) Ask the person that you want service at the information center. 5) The deadline for submitting to nominate for Elder, Deacon or nominations is November 30, 2004. Deaconess if he or she is a mem- 4) You must FAX the form with the ber and willing to be considered nominee’s name(s) and your signa- *Redeemer’s New Office Address: for the office. ture to the church office, attention: 1359 Broadway, 4th Floor Jenny Chang at 212.808.4465. New York,NY 10018

The Redeemer Report is a publication of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church. REDEEMER REPORT OFFICE • 1359 BROADWAY (BETWEEN W. 36TH & 37TH STREETS) • FOURTH FLOOR • NY, NY 10018-7102 (212) 808-4460 (PHONE) (212) 808-4465 (FAX) Kathy Keller www.redeemer.com Carl de Prado HUNTER COLLEGE AUDITORIUM ETHICAL CULTURE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH East 69TH (Between Park & Lexington) West 64TH and CPW Corner of West 79TH and Broadway Fred Liedtke services at 10:30AM • 5:45PM service at 9:15AM service at 7:00PM REDEEEMER MEALS MINISTRY: AMINISTRY TO ONE ANOTHER

BY SKOT YABBAGY reetings from the new Meals with food, something I knew Most volunteers are called to GMinistry Coordinator, Skot about, I got involved and started deliver a meal no more than five Yobbagy. I have taken over the to utilize my cooking abilities. or six times a year.Volunteers can meals ministry as of Oct. 1st, from This eventually led me to expand either prepare or purchase a pre- our most excellent and caring my service and brought me into pared meal and can choose how coordinator Diane Morgan, who the Redeemer Meals Ministry. far and the areas to which they are has been a faithful servant for Finally I realized that serving oth- willing to travel.They will be pro- many years.We are proud that she ers doesn’t have to be some kind vided with information on the will still remain an active volunteer of elaborate or complicated task. number of people to be served, to be called on as needed.And of For me, what better way to serve any special dietary needs or other course we will always appreciate than by sharing my cooking abili- instructions and the recipient’s her hard work and dedication to ties with someone in need. address and phone number for those who have needed the meals The Meals Ministry provides arrangement of delivery. ministry service over the years. prepared meals for Redeemer Since we never really know I am a commercial photographer members and regular attendees when or where or how many by trade but I love to cook.You who are post operative patients, requests we are going to receive for might call it a passionate hobby. accident victims, experiencing these kinds of needs it is wonder- Years ago I was trying to get more debilitating illnesses, new mothers, ful to have as many volunteers as involved in the Redeemer church having problem pregnancies and possible ready to provide and be community and specifically with experiencing bereavement.You of service when even the simple programs reaching out to those can support this ministry by call- task of preparing a meal can be a in need. I was a bit confused as to ing the Meals Ministry major challenge. Please contact how to offer myself at the time. Coordinator to have your name Skot Yobbagy at 212-330-7026 to Determined to serve, I was added to the list of people willing join this very special, community- introduced to a list of activities with to be called should someone need building ministry. HFNY.Finding a few that dealt meals in your geographic area.

ACHANGED HEART, A CHANGED LIFE

BY YVETTE KNIGHT wo years ago when I joined supporting my clients.The work communication problems and Tthe Diaconate, I was looking was a perfect fit for the skills I had issues. In my work as a Deaconess, forward to working with the other been given. there are times when my intelli- deeks and having a positive impact To make a long story short, I am gence fails and I must depend on on the church community. I was now studying to be a psychother- the Lord for His guidance and for very excited about the thought of apist. I thank God for using this His wisdom.Also, results are not being a positive change agent for work to give me a new career time bound by the fiscal or the those I supported. I gave little path, a path that I hope will bring calendar year, and I must be patient thought to the impact this experi- honor and glory to Him. as He works out His purpose inour ence would have on my own life. My heart change began as a lives. Success is now dependent on The Lord had another plan. result of you, the Redeemer con- where and on how the Lord leads. What has happened is that serving gregation. I am truly amazed at Finally, my biggest lesson comes on the Diaconate has not only your generosity to support this from my clients. I have watched you changed the course of my life, it work.Your giving has made me manage through very difficult has also changed the condition realize that as a Christian commu- situations.You have taught me of my heart. nity,we can really take care of each what it means to persevere. I con- My life change began when I other in very practical and tangible sider it a privilege to be a part of was recently laid off and I became ways. I want to assure you that we your lives and I strive to continue unemployed. Months before this make every effort to be good to earn your trust. happened, I had been praying stewards of what you give to us. So there you have it.That is my about a career change. I took a In my former corporate life, story. If you join the Diaconate, I look at myskills,mytalents and at the success was mostly dependent on am not sure what story the Lord things that gave me some passion. my skills, my effort and my intelli- will write for you. But I am very I had to look no further than my gence. My corporate clients looked grateful for a changed life and more work on the Diaconate. I loved to me for answers to complex importantly for a changed heart.

PERMIT NO. 349 NO. PERMIT 10018

E OK NY YORK, NEW NEW YORK, NY YORK, NEW

PAID

4TH FLOOR 4TH

U.S. POSTAGE POSTAGE U.S.

1359 BROADWAY 1359 NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT

ADVERTISING AND MARKETING GROUP: KICKOFF LUNCHEON

Sunday, November 7th, 12:15PM to 2:15PM Lunch will be provided. All areas of marketing welcome:Advertising, Brand Management, Product Management, etc. To volunteer to help and/or rsvp, please contact Sheeba Philip at [email protected]

“DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS” SEMINAR

Discover your strengths using the DiSC behavior style assessment. Build a framework for under- standing behavior in a Biblical context. Facilitated by Donna Bessai and sponsored by Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work Part 1: Understanding Yourself – Saturday, November 6th, 9:00AM to 12:00PM Part 2: Understanding Others – Saturday, November 20th, 9:00AM to 12:00PM Location: Redeemer Conference Room, 1359 Broadway @ West 36th Street, Fourth Floor Continental Breakfast will be served at 8:30AM Register Online ($35) at www.faithandwork.org The $35 fee includes your personal assessment report, which needs to be taken online in advance of the seminar. Limited space available.

EDUCATION FORUM 2004

Hosted by the Educator’s Fellowship Group and sponsored by Redeemer’s Center for Faith and Work “The Gospel Changes Everything... even Education!” Lecture and Q&A with Dr. Tim Keller Friday, November 5th, 6:00PM to 9:30PM American Society, 1865 Broadway @ 61st Street Register Online ($10) at www.faithandwork.org Hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided.