Redeemer Church of Oklahoma City

And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him. From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. –Genesis 12:5-8

As Abram passed through Canaan, his first and foremost goal was not military conquest. Instead he build altars and held covenant renewal worship services; he was establishing worship of the true God. This was his “strategy” and “vision.” He knew that is the way to change the hearts and minds of the people, thus the world.

Oh how we love to fight with each other, always believing we are in the right, of course! Abram resisted this urge as he conquered the land through worship. He sought first the kingdom of God, trusting that all other things would be given to him later on. Jesus did that same leaving his Father’s throne above, emptying himself of all but love, and bleeding to die for Adam’s helpless race. He did it for the goal set before him, enduring the cross, scorning its shame.

And that’s the gospel! Come hear it preached and enacted in the Supper with Jesus this Sunday 

The related hymns we’ll sing are:
Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above
There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy
May the Mind of Christ, My Savior

Sunday school for children (in Genesis) and adults (on Reformed Treasures) is up and running! Coffee and other treats are served at 9:15, teaching begins at 9:30, and we break to get ready for worship at 10:15.

Visitors are always welcome!