When people ask me to explain Redemption Groups I usually refer to the basic definition from Mike Wilkerson: “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, Redemption Groups are about life study—your life connecting with Jesus’ life. Participants challenge one another, and the Word reveals hearts.” 

Jesus triumphed over Satan and all his demons through His work of redemption, particularly by canceling the power of sin at the cross. (Matt. 12:28-29; Eph. 1:19-23; Col. 2:13-15)  Satan is already condemned. (John 12:31; 16:11; Rev. 20:7-10)

from 5 Things To Pray For Your Heart by Rachel Jones which we gave out months ago

Father, help me to be a friend to others who is:

None of us live in a world where conflict does not exist. It is unavoidable. Since that is the case, it makes sense to face the fact that you will have conflict. Admitting this opens the door for conflict to become a redemptive opportunity to mature in Christ. Some basic perspectives can help us as we tackle the tough issues involved.

When you look at a small, broken, unhealthy, body of believers, what could drive you to begin the reforming work that’s necessary? Let me suggest six motivations.

I’ve shared a bit about our family’s journey to Grace Church in a previous blog. Since that time, the Lord has continued to do amazing and unexpected things in our lives, the most recent of which I’d like to share with you all.

I’ve spent much of my life trying to look the part of being a Christian. If I just went to church every Sunday, if I just went on mission trips, if I just went to a Bible study, or didn’t drink or party, or didn’t curse, or didn’t hang around people who did, if my kids never threw tantrums, or I had a perfect marriage… THEN everyone would think I had it together, and as long as everyone thought I was ok, they wouldn’t ask questions. I wouldn’t have to let anyone in, so they wouldn’t know the real mess I was inside.

1. Devout Jewish people began worshipping Jesus as God after his resurrection. Which would have meant risking persecution and the torments of hell forever for worshipping a false god. And in this group are his two half-brothers James and Jude and his mother. James was opposed to Jesus’ claims of deity during his life but then James was transformed by seeing Jesus after his resurrection. He went on to pastor the Jerusalem church and write a book of the Bible.

I was baptized at my church in Florida when I was about 14 years old. I thought I was a Christian at the time. However, I was completely blind to my self-righteousness, legalism, and performance based habits. When I compared myself to most people, I thought I was a pretty good guy. As long as I didn’t commit any of the “bad sins”, I figured I was ok. Little did I know during that time in all my self-righteousness, I was just as guilty as the worst criminal on the planet.