The Redeemed of the Lord

28 December 2016

Opening Prayer/Worship

Hymn: Joy to the world! the Lord is come!

Theme: Lord of all

Topic: The Redeemed of the Lord

Reading: Isaiah 62:6-12

Introduction

At the core of God’s gift of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ is the redemption of humanity- redemption from sin, death and satanic oppression.  Following the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, sin entered into the world together with death and all manner of evil.  God in His infinite mercy set in motion events that will redeem man from the bondage of sin.  These series of events include the birth of the Saviour, which we marked on Christmas day, and were completed after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Followers of Christ are described in several ways including the ‘the Redeemed of the Lord’.  As the Lord’s redeemed, we should always remember that we are not live in guilt and fear of death and evil.  Rather we should live each day in celebration of the redemption we have in Christ Jesus.  Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we have been set free to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives. 

Questions/Discussion

1) What does it mean to be the redeemed of the Lord? 

Romans 5:12-21

Colossians 1:9-14

Titus 3:4-8

2) What are the lessons for us in Luke 2:1-20 regarding being the redeemed of the Lord?  

Luke 2:1-20

3) Discuss our responsibilities as the redeemed of the Lord. 

Psalm 97:1-12

2 Timothy 1:6-14

1 Peter 2:4-10

Intercession/Worship

Conclusion

We should live each day in celebration of the redemption we have in Christ Jesus.  Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we have been set free to fulfil God’s purpose for our lives.

Closing Prayer (Collect for the Birth of the Lord: Christmas Day)

O God our Father, whose Word has come among us in the Holy Child of Bethlehem, may the light of faith illumine our hearts and shine in our words and deeds; through him who is Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.