Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Editor's Note: Due to a technical issue, the audio cut out the prayer of illumination and part of the sermon intro.

For the last several years, Redeemer has had the opportunity to hold a Protestant Reformation worship service outside on the Riverfront in downtown Peoria IL during the Oktoberfest Festival. This sermon was preached during the 2025 Oktoberfest Festival.

Good Friday Service

Editor's Note: There is some white noise/feedback at the beginning of the sermon, however, it is not as present after the Scripture reading.

I. The Messenger's Mission (vv. 1-3)II. The Messenger's Manner (vv. 4-6)III. The Messenger's Message (vv. 7-8)

Key Verse—v. 9: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." (ESV)Aim: To be Strong and Courageous in Christ—as God's Liberated and Joyful Church

Key Verse—v. 1: "The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth." (ESV)Aim: To live in the fullness of our incarnated and glorified Redeemer

Key Verses—vv. 1-2, 13: "The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever . . . The children of your elect sister greet you." (ESV)Aim: To live as elect children of Christ's elect church

Key Verses—vv. 8-9a: "Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you . . . " (ESV)Aim: To treat each other with miraculous grace in Christ

Key Verse—v. 17: "The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." (ESV)Aim: To rejoice and sing for gladness of heart, in Jesus

Key Phrase—v. 15a: "Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! . . . " (ESV)Aim: To rejoice in our God—since we are liberated in Christ's gospel

Key Phrase—v. 3a: "The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock . . . " (ESV)Aim: To walk humbly with our God—through saving faith in Christ