We loved celebrating Jersey's baptism with so many of you on Sunday. A local photographer, Riles Hubbard, was shooting from the headland and captured the baptism for us.
This Sunday we kick off twelve weeks of looking at Jesus’ commands that relate to ourselves - how Jesus invites us to think and act in this world!
To celebrate we will share in $100 worth of hot chips to warm our bodies right after the gathering.
However, before we start, I want to lead us to ask ourselves the big question, “Who am I?” It’s a great question because how you think about your existence is important!
However, when he taught, “Love your neighbour as yourself”, Jesus revealed the deep connection between how we understand ourselves and how we treat people around us.
To thrive in life, we must allow our understanding of "self" to be shaped by God.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…” - Genesis 1:27
In some mystical way, you and I are like God. Genesis doesn’t go into much detail, but it seems we share in some of God’s form and function.
You are Precious
There’s something inherently beautiful and valuable about every human being. Historically, this idea is unique to Christianity and has formed the basis of our modern understanding of “human rights”.
You have Purpose
Not only are we something like God, but we are commanded to work on behalf of God! God unlocks a purpose for everyone made in his image. They are called to, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it…”.
However, if you are precious and have a purpose, you may wonder, "Why do I feel like a bit of a mess sometimes?"
“23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”
Romans 3:23 NLT
You’ve been Polluted
Yes, this word makes me uncomfortable too. But according to the Bible, the truth is that every one of us has been polluted by sin in the deepest parts of ourselves.
“23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.”
Romans 3:23-24
By faith in Jesus, you are Purified
Jesus came because God himself is good and gracious to us. His mission was to free us from spiritually and relationally polluted lives. To make us pure and “right” in his sight. Not only does this free us to live as originally intended, but it frees us from paying the penalty (judgment) of living a life polluted by sin.
Understanding yourself as precious, purposeful, polluted and purified will enable you to discover your "true self" - not who someone else says you are.
On Sunday I’ll share simple concepts to help you embrace your true self - as defined by Jesus himself.
Cheers and prepare to encourage someone this Sunday!
Dan
P.S. Remember, we have a Chip Party on Sunday from just after 4:00 pm.
Coming Up
June
Sun 23 June 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 30 June 3pm Moffat Gathering
Worship Gatherings - Venue, Times TBC
Sat 6/Sun 7 July Worship Gathering - Venue, Times TBC
Sun 04 Aug Worship Gathering - Venue, Times TBC
Sun 01 Sep Worship Gathering - Venue, Times TBC
Sun 29 Sep Worship Gathering - Venue, Times TBC
Sun 03 Nov Worship Gathering - Venue, Times TBC
Sun 01 Dec Worship Gathering - Venue, Times TBC
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus.
Our Rhythms
Get to Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you intentionally open up your life to?
Gather and get involved: who can you connect, listen, share or pray with this weekend?
Our Giving
We are slowly being led to needs for our giving kitty! Please take time to ask God if there is someone in need around you whom God wants you/us to help!
Last month's giving: $8,635
Last month's expenses: $6,547
Balance: $52,509
Giving Kitty Oct-May: $5,000
Giving out Oct-May: $2,930
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
If you would like to support what we are doing and our giving to those in need, you can get started giving to Open Road to meet the needs of our church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
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