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Redemption Groups
Intro Video
| Some have been asking, “Why the change from Recovery Groups to Redemption Groups?” The truth is we are worshipful human beings, if we are not worshiping the God who created everything in the universe we will worship created things. We were created to worship, that is what we do, it isn’t that some people worship and some don’t, we all worship something. Anything that rules your heart rather than God is an idol of the heart, it’s that simple.
For me it is now easy to see where drugs and alcohol ruled in my heart. Everything I did was ruled by these created things. I ran to them for all my pain management and for all my suffering. Everything from pain to joy was to be handled by my idols. The drugs and alcohol ruled my heart. And if these idols were what ruled my heart, the only way to a lasting change was a change of heart. And not simply just a change of heart, but rather a new heart that worships the God of creation. Ezekiel 36:25-27 states that it is God, and God only who can change our hearts. |
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25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. It is only by the work of the Lord, cleaning out the idols of our hearts that will bring us lasting change. When it is the Lord working in your life, not only is your heart changed, but this change has now caused you to want to obey God’s rules. This is something that can only be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life. To have your life centered on anything besides Jesus will only bring shallow change to your life. Life long change only happens when it is God who does the changing in your heart. For us here at SHEC, this is the lasting change we want for everyone who is struggling with issues in their life. It doesn’t matter if the issue is addiction, pain, abuse, eating disorders or sexual sin, the solution is Jesus. The Bible calls idolatry sin and the only cure for sin is the work Jesus did on the cross. So if you are finding yourself with idols of the heart that won’t take no for answer, idols that don’t allow Jesus to be center stage, then I welcome you to come check out Redemption Groups, Monday September 13th @ 6:30-7:30 in the BackRoom 1919 North Ave. |
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Information
I would like to invite everyone who is interseted in Redemption Groups to our info meeting night Monday Sept. 13th 6:30PM in the Back Room. Come learn what the groups are all about how they will work and who they are for. The leadership training process is open to all, even if you are not wanting to be a leader you are encouraged to come and be part of the teaching.
Mike Keogh
What is a Redemption Group
What is a Redemption GroupGospel-based exodus
Redemption Group curriculum follows the story of Exodus, with the Israelites journeying through the wilderness from slavery to freedom. Along the way, Jesus shows up. The curriculum uses the book Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the Idols We Worship and the Wounds We Carry, which will complement SHEC’s preaching ministry—what you hear preached on Sunday is what you live out in Redemption—and draws from the stories of many who now help lead the ministry.
Sin and suffering
Someone entangled in a habitual sin (addiction) not only needs deliverance from sin, but also to come face to face with a Redeemer who delivers from suffering, pain, and misery. Someone limping from the wounds of abuse is not only desperate to know the compassionate presence of Jesus, but is also in great need of the Word, which discerns the sinful intentions that turn a wounded heart into a wounding heart. Our sins and sufferings are inextricably interwoven but Jesus can redeem it all.
Intense discussion in small groups
A Redemption Group is an intense small group that digs deep into difficult and seldom-discussed areas of life, such as abuse, addiction, and trials of all sorts. Far beyond Bible study, this is about life study—your life connecting with Jesus’ life. Participants challenge one another, and the Word reveals hearts. It’s not uncommon to hear comments like, “I thought I would take that secret to my grave.” Where in reality that secret was keeping that person in bondage, letting that secret be known lets Jesus do the work of redemption in their life.
Eye-opening
Many initially join a Redemption Group to address a behavior (“I thought I was here to learn how to stop looking at porn”) or support a spouse, but oftentimes God accomplishes something much deeper.
The beginning
A Redemption Group is only the beginning—or a way station—in a lifelong journey. Groups are brief and get right to work, meeting only about ten weeks. Participants leave groups armed with new ways of seeing God and themselves, and tools for working it out over time in community.
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