Redemption Groups :: Fall 2012

Tonight we begin the fall round of Redemption Groups at The Paradox Church. In our first two rounds we have seen Jesus save, transform, and restore lives. I'm praying he does miraculous things this round as well. He continues to send people that are broken and suffering our way and he continues to love and pour out his grace to them. We kickoff each round with a weekend intensive which includes 3 sessions over a Friday night and Saturday day.The format is some music and teaching followed by small groups. Far beyond Bible study, this is about life study—a participant's life connecting with Jesus’ life. The process is eye-opening; many people initially join a Redemption Group to address a behavior or support a spouse, but often God accomplishes something much deeper.The main focus of the groups is sin and suffering – and ultimately, Jesus. Someone entangled in a habitual sin (addiction) not only needs delivery 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, and Jesus redeems it all.Redemption Group curriculum follows the story of Exodus. 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.Please pray for our leaders and participants during this round. We will be using hashtag #ParadoxRG on Twitter to document this round. You can use it now to send encouraging words or prayers to them.