Redeemer Conversations

Over the last year we’ve experienced loss in many ways, from disturbed routines, to job loss, and even the loss of loved ones. In this episode Jenna Samuel sits down with Josh Smith, director of counseling at Sure Oaks, a ministry of Redeemer Dubai. Josh explores the topic of grief and provides a framework for how to process grief biblically and authentically. We hope this episode encourages you as we process grief together and draw comfort from the Man of Sorrows.Additional Resources: Articles:“How to Help a Grieving Child” by Judy Blore“Grief: It’s Not About a Process; It’s About The Person" by Paul Randolph“In the Valley of the Shadow” by Jayne Clark“When Grief Enters Your Door” by Paul David Pripp“Truth, Tears, Anger, and Grace” by Tim KellerBooks:Grieving with Hope by Samuel Hodges, IV and Kathy LeonardThe Complete Guide to Crisis and Trauma Counseling by H. Norman WrightGod’s Healing for Life’s Losses by Robert KellemenWhat Grieving People Wish you Knew by Nancy GuthrieSupport the show

Hebrews 5—6 contains sobering warnings about those “who have tasted the goodness of the word of God,” and yet fall away from the faith: they cannot be brought back to repentance. Following on the heels of last week’s sermon on that text, this episode of Redeemer Conversations goes deeper by answering questions submitted by Redeemer members. Pastor Morgan Renew joins in the conservation today to address issues such as how to wrestle with news of exposed sin in a former pastor, understanding the Bible’s warnings to persevere, and cultivating healthy relationships and trust with Christian leaders. This episode covers a lot of ground, but we hope it is a helpful starting place for you to process your own hard questions. We encourage you to continue the conversation with a Redeemer elder, your community group leader, or a close church member.Support the show

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all of the information available today? The news, social media, and even WhatsApp forwards are all trying to claim that they hold the keys to the truth. Throw in a global health crisis, and the need for clarity is more essential than ever. With so much contradicting information out there, how should we filter the information that we take in? How should God’s Word take precedence in our lives as our source of truth? How might we cultivate discernment in this unique time in history? Tune in to hear Scott Zeller, executive pastor at Redeemer Church of Dubai, offer some helpful insights and biblical wisdom regarding this important topic.Notes: The Wisdom Pyramid — Brett McCrackenhttps://www.brettmccracken.com/blog/2017/8/3/the-wisdom-pyramidSupport the show

When you think back on the year 2020, what comes to the forefront of your mind? Perhaps the COVID-19 pandemic, financial instability, physical and mental health struggles, political turmoil, burnout, or Zoom fatigue? Yet through all the trials and joys of 2020, God has been faithfully working behind the scenes for the good of his people and the glory of his name.In this episode, Dave Furman shares his big-picture view of the past year and many specific ways that he has seen God working in our community and around the world. Dave also shares some encouragements for how we can reflect on 2020 while keeping God as the center of our stories, and how we can look forward to 2021 with Christ, not our circumstances, as the anchor of our souls.Support the show

As 2020 comes to a close, many of us may feel that our socially-distanced lives have caused our community “muscles” to become weak. We have not attended a Friday worship service or met with community groups in person for months, and yet now as our once-familiar rhythms slowly resume, we may find ourselves drawing back from community rather than pressing in. This can be due to different anxieties, competing priorities, sin struggles, and even sloth. Yet the church is one of the primary means that the Lord has given us to help us persevere through the trials and temptations of this world. In this episode, Jaya Shinde and Samson Prem encourage us to extend grace and patience to those with varying preferences while taking advantage of the growing opportunities to reconnect with others at Redeemer.If you would like to download our Advent resources, visit: redeemerdubai.com/advent. We hope these resources help you to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the coming of our Savior.Support the show

“How are you?” This question can be difficult to answer, especially if we’re not, in fact, doing well. We can tend to shy away from sharing how we are presently struggling and simply share how we have overcome suffering in order to avoid looking weak, embarrassing ourselves, or burdening others. How can we cultivate authentic relationships in our community, and how can our honesty and vulnerability actually glorify God and encourage fellow believers? Join us for this week’s podcast episode, “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” as Redeemer members Aiza Domingo and Kristi Smith share what they’ve learned about bringing their raw emotions to the Lord through lamentation and authentically walking alongside others through trials.Have an idea for a Redeemer Conversation? Share your podcast topic or guest recommendations with us! Email us at podcast@redeemerdubai.com, or message us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (/RedeemerDubai).Support the show

This last year we’ve experienced and heard of countless difficult events that have unfolded around the world. Whether it has been political unrest, natural disasters, or even violence, as expats we’ve witnessed from afar the challenging headlines of our home countries. As Christians who are expats, many questions arise as we consider how to think and feel about the affairs of our home countries. How can we think through these difficult events? How can we wrestle with sin and corruption well? How are we to respond to those who disagree with us?During this episode of Redeemer Conversations, Morgan Renew lays a biblical foundation for how to process the difficult realities of our home countries, and Samuel Iwuchukwu explains how he has personally wrestled with the #endSARS movement in his home country of Nigeria.Support the show

If you are single and desire to be married someday, how has the pandemic affected your hopes and plans? All of the restrictions, limitations, and social distancing can create a unique dilemma for those who are pursuing marriage.In this episode we’ll explore how those in dating relationships can seek wisdom and accountability, how they can navigate uncertainties and challenges while holding fast to Christ, and how the church can love our single brothers and sisters well as they wait for his perfect timing.Listen in as Redeemer newlyweds share how they navigated the joys and challenges of dating in a pandemic and their advice for anyone seeking to do the same.Support the show

Redeemer Conversations is back! We are launching season two of the podcast with an encouraging word all the way from Beirut, Lebanon. Marwan Aboul-Zelof, former Redeemer pastoral intern and old friend, now serves as senior pastor of City Bible Church (CBC) in Beirut, Lebanon. With the tragic explosion back in August and the ongoing economic effects of the Lebanese revolution, the people of Beirut have experienced much suffering in recent months. However, the local church has had many opportunities to shine the light of the gospel into dark places and to show the love of Christ to the people of Beirut through various relief efforts and outreach. Listen in as Marwan shares how Christians in Beirut are seeking to follow Christ’s example in caring for both the physical and spiritual needs of their community.CBC’s giving page: https://www.cbcbeirut.com/beirut-rebuild-relief-fundMarwan’s TGC article: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/despair-light-rubble-beirut/ Support the show

Are you feeling burned out? Exhausted? Demotivated? Overwhelmed? If so, you are not alone. One common effect of the pandemic worldwide has been a struggle to persevere through the monotony, stress, and uncertainty of life in 2020. In this episode, Fountain Abani and Josephine O’Rear share how they have fought to remain faithful stewards of their time, health, work, and relationships despite challenging circumstances. They encourage us to put healthy patterns in place, to give ourselves grace when we struggle to meet our own expectations, and ultimately to look to Jesus, who sympathizes with all of our weaknesses.Support the show

The economic effects of the pandemic have unfortunately resulted in financial instability and job loss for many members of our community. The next question that naturally comes to mind then is, “Should I leave Dubai?” If that’s you, you may be wrestling with related questions like, “What is the will of God for me now?” “What if I make the ‘wrong’ decision?” “What’s the best thing for my family?” and “How should my faith in Christ influence my decision?” Our guests Glen Jones and Jimmy Poon share their experiences wrestling with these questions and model how believers can reach different conclusions while equally desiring to be faithful to Christ. Whether or not you consider yourself a global nomad, it’s never too early to consider how you might faithfully approach the topic of moving in accordance with God’s call.Support the show

Jesus calls Christians to love God and love their neighbor. But how can we do that when some characteristics of our neighbor seem completely foreign to us? Cross-cultural dynamics can suddenly make a difficult command even more challenging! When cultures and personalities clash, tensions may rise or we may simply disengage. But Jesus models a better way for us. In this episode, Inter-Cultural Intelligence Practitioner Shelley Reinhart explains cross-cultural dynamics in a new and informative way that will help transform how you view the world and reveal new opportunities to love God and your neighbor. We hope you’ll be encouraged to use these practical tools to start many good conversations in your community!Support the show

As headlines all over the world are drawing attention to issues of discrimination, prejudice, and suffering, we’re left wondering, “What does God’s Word have to say about this?” What does the Bible teach us about how to love each other as image bearers? How should we grieve and lament injustices? How should we listen to others out of humility and love even if our consciences disagree? How can we reach out down the corridor before we look across the world to love our neighbor? In this episode, Scott Zeller shares how God is not silent when it comes to the weak and marginalized; rather, they are very near to God’s heart — and should be to ours, too.Support the show

In today’s world, we are constantly confronted with new technology that promises to enrich our lives, educate us, or entertain us. But do we ever stop to think about how social media, video games, Zoom, smart phone devices, TV, and other technologies actually shape us instead? How can we use our screen time to the glory of God? How can we resist technology addiction? How can parents train their children to use technology to create rather than to consume? Hear the answers to these questions and more in this timely podcast takeover as Dave Furman interviews special guest Dr. John Dyer.Recommended Resources:Books:“From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology” by John Dyer — An in-depth look on the topics discussed in this episode“The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place” by Andy Crouch — A parenting book that offers ten helpful ideas for technology“The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction” by Justin Earley — Eight habits that you can implement to create new routines and bring order to your technology-filled life“12 Ways Your Smartphone is Changing You” by Tony Reinke — Helps uncover negative and sinful patterns and points readers to Jesus“Disruptive Witness: Speaking Truth in a Distracted Age” by Alan Noble — A deeper look at how we construct our identity and how we can share hope in this worldOther Resources:FaithTech.com — an organization that helps people use their tech skills for God’s gloryTechLess.com — a new phone system called KidOS that creates a distraction-free phone for kids and adultsDeviceAndVirtue.com — a podcast on technology and faithSupport the show

Today's new normal presents unique challenges and opportunities to both marrieds and singles. Whether living in a full villa or a solitary flat, you can leverage your situation to grow in your relationships with others and the Lord. Tune in to hear how married and single members of Redeemer are navigating their own spiritual health, friendships, and marriages while living in quarantine.Support the show

While many of us are able to #stayhome and #staysafe, healthcare workers are currently risking their own personal safety to provide medical care to patients in need. In this podcast episode three healthcare workers from the Redeemer church community share what it's like to be on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the gospel fuels them to persevere.We hope you'll be encouraged to partner with these men and women in prayer, and to remember that we have a God who enters into our suffering and is with us - even amidst our greatest fears and anxieties.Support the show

As restrictions tighten during this local lockdown, our families are seeing more of each other than ever before. Our children and teenagers aren’t going to school, personal space is a distant dream, tensions are rising as we live and work under one roof, and all we want is to go back to the good old days when parenting wasn’t this exhausting!Join us on this episode to hear how a few families are navigating these challenging times. We hope this discussion helps fill your homes with grace, patience, love, forgiveness and kindness as you press into the Gospel in your journey as parents!Support the show

The quarantined life can so easily be filled with “noise” from the news, the latest on social media, binge watching Netflix shows, and more. While those aren’t evil in and of themselves, could they be distractions? What if God were using this period of social isolation to draw us nearer to him?Tune in to this week’s podcast episode of Redeemer Conversations to hear encouragement from Scripture, practical advice, and personal stories on how members of Redeemer are growing in their intimacy with God through prayer and meditation.Support the show

What do we as Christians make of COVID-19? Does this novel coronavirus disrupt God’s plan for salvation? How do we find hope in a global pandemic?Listen in to this podcast to hear a conversation between members of the Redeemer family as they discuss how the gospel helps us make sense of this global pandemic.Support the show