Posts by Kevin Bryan
Family Worship Toolbox
Family Worship Toolbox

I have often struggled to lead my family in worship.  I have organized here a simple "Order for Family Worship."  Gather your family.  Eat dinner and then get the laptop, or iPad and follow the simple order.  Pray, sing, learn the catechism, and read the Word.  You and your family will grow. --Pastor Kevin

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Why Our Preaching is Expository
Why Our Preaching is Expository

At Redeemed South Bay each Sunday the Teaching Elder ascends to the pulpit, adjusts his notes, looks out on the congregation and says, "Open your Bibles..." Why?  At our church like many gospel-centered churches today we are committed to preaching, but not just any kind of preaching.  We are committed to expository preaching.  Expository preaching is a kind of preaching that expounds upon the meaning of a particular text or passage of Scripture.  

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Hymn Friday: It is Well
Hymn Friday: It is Well

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul.”  

Have you ever wondered what the story was behind these deeply powerful words?  Listen to find out.

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"Passion" A book Review
"Passion" A book Review

Christmas is behind us.   What a wonderful celebration of God's greatest gift --His only beloved Son, Jesus Christ.  As we move forward in the year it is appropriate to also move from the birth of Christ to his life and his death.  Last Easter as I was preparing my sermons for that season I came across an excellent book on Christ' Sacrifice --"Passion" by Mike McKinley.  Easter is about 11 weeks away, why not begin meditating early on the ultimate purpose for Jesus coming to  the earth.  This review of the book is from The Shepherds' Conference website.  -- Kevin

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Motivations to Believe the Gospel
Motivations to Believe the Gospel

I was reading today in Timothy Keller’s excellent book Center Church-- Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City and I was greatly helped by this section. There is a tendency in evangelism to want a cookie cutter one-size-fits-all formula for sharing the gospel. Keller simplifies an article that he read by theologian and scholar D. A. Carson.  I have included it here. “Carson argues that the biblical authors use a range of motivations what appealing to their readers to believe and obey the truth. They do not seek to persuade in just one way.”

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Hymn Friday: O Great God
Hymn Friday: O Great God

Why do I love hymns?  The best hymns whether they are ancient or modern are a coming together of theological truth and artistic beauty.  They also are meant for congregational singing.  I want to leave church with the truths that I just proclaimed in song to still be ringing in my heart and spilling over my lips throughout the week.  That is sometimes hard to do with some modern praise songs that are more performance driven.  The hymns also connect me to our rich Christian heritage and help to fight what C. S. Lewis called "chronological snobbery" (believing that whatever is newest is best).  "A Mighty Fortress" was written in 1527 by Martin Luther.  The Church has been singing this hymn for almost 500 years and unless Christ returns will sing it for 500 more at least!  

One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the movement of not only reviving these classic hymns but of Christian artist writing new ones.

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Membership Matters
Membership Matters

We are 7 months into our new church plant at Redeemed South Bay and are in the middle of a sermon series called "Membership Matters."  Should we become members of a local church?  I found this article from 9 Marks to be helpful.  I think you will too.

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