You may wonder why we have continued with such a 'simple' Sunday gathering and the sermons remain short and hyper-focused on Jesus? The answer comes largely from last weeks update, where I shared my convictions about how important it is for churches like ours to prioritise helping people find and follow Jesus - otherwise known as the job of making disciples.
This comes from Jesus' last words to those who would, just like us, take on his mission to the world.
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you."
There's three main parts:
- Go and make disciples.
- Baptise these disciples.
- Teach them to obey all of Jesus' commands.
Every church I've ever been a part of is trying to (1) "make disciples". Every one of these churches (2) baptises people. However, few that I've been a part of have ever even discussed the importance of (3) teaching these disciples to obey Jesus' commands!
Some years ago a friend led me to reflect upon Jesus' words, "if you love me you'll obey my commands". I realised that there was something deeply missing in my faith. It wasn't that I didn't love God. It wasn't that I didn't want to obey him. I just hadn't been earnest enough to figure out, what were Jesus' commands that I was to lovingly obey? Utlimately, I realise that loving obedience was about maximising the relationship God was inviting me into! In short, I was missing out!
This is the reason why we are, indefinitely, focusing our Sunday gatherings on simply teaching through the commands of Jesus. The goal is not to 'tick boxes' or even memorise each of his commands. Rather, the goal is two-fold. Firstly, that we each learn to lovingly obey Jesus in every area of our life. Secondly, that we follow Jesus in such a way that we can share his whole-of-life message with those around us!
This is the simple 'strategy' Jesus laid out for making disciples that were capable of making other disciples.
This is also the reason why each week it's simple, rather short and entirely focused on Jesus. Not because there aren't other transformative messages in the Bible, but because in teaching Jesus' commands we're not just familiarising ourselves with the person of Jesus, but faithfully responding to the task he laid out to "teach each other to obey all that I commanded you".
As I've studied and taught Jesus' commands I've noticed that every one of them teaches us something powerful about both ourselves and himself.
For example, when we engage his teaching to, "Love your enemies", we firstly learn about ourselves. We learn that we don't actually love our enemies like Jesus taught us to. This means we are imperfect sinners, and need God's grace. Secondly, we learn something about Jesus. He does actually love his enemies. Unlike us, he is sinless and perfect. Thirdly, we realise that it's his perfect love that enables him to love all people - including us!
I want to encourage you to take on board the teachings of Jesus each Sunday. While you won't have a transformational moment every week (no one can keep up with that!), I'm encouraging you to be listening for where Jesus is prompting you to submit to him in new ways. Furthermore, I want to encourage every one of us to model our lives around Jesus in such a way that we are prepared and pumped to share Jesus with those God brings across our path! As this continues to happen we can be encouraged that we are living out Jesus' plan for his church.
I believe that as we encounter Jesus each Sunday we will discover newfound joy and learn what it truly means to be "Fully Alive" in him.
Cheers and God Bless,
Dan
P.S. If you want to download 52 Follow, my "work in progress" collection of Jesus teachings, you can signup and download it here.
Chris and Emma - CHURCH PLANTERS
On Sunday, we had a surprise visit from some long term, trusted friends of ours, Chris and Emma Poulsen who are planting a new church in the suburb of Walkervale, Bundaberg.
After starting a neighbourhood BBQ, that now has a post-snag Bible Study at their house, they are about to step out into Sunday gatherings.
They are wonderful Jesus-people and reaching a community that pretty much no one else has been able to.
If you would like to stay up-to-date with their journey and how you can support them, please email Chris > updates@walkervalechurch.org
Prayer
As we shared last week, we want to be asking God to speak to us on a number of topics:
- Rhythms: how will we foster our simple rhythms (know, invite, gather)?
- Elders: how will we structure our long-term leadership and who will be on the team.
- Generosity: how would God have us become the generous individuals and church he's called us to.
- Future: how and where will we continue to gather including our location.
If you'd like to join with others in prayer, chat to Fred on Sunday about his men's prayer group that meets 6am every Friday in Dicky Beach!
If you can't find him Sunday call Fred on 0431 437 080.
Want to go camping?!
Merrick has done some research on a big group camp at Borumba Deer Park about an hour from us. We're proposing we invite people from our church to go camping together Sat-Sun (enthusiasts can stay Friday too!) for a very relaxed weekend together potentially on Sunday 8th of October.
If you're keen, let us know by REPLYING or email us!
And YES, they have cabins too :)
Coming Up
Sun 23 July 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 06 Aug 3pm Worship + Dedications Caloundra Christian College
Sun 13 Aug 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 20 Aug Baptism
Sun 27 Aug 3pm Moffat Gathering
Getting ahead-of-the-game
Sun 03 Sep 3pm Worship + Prayer Gathering. Location TBC
Sun 17 Sep Baptism
Sun 01 Oct Worship + Prayer Gathering. Location TBC
Sun 15 Oct Baptism
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus
Our Rhythms
Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you bless this week?
Gather and get involved: How can you connect, listen, share or pray with others this week?
Our Giving
If there is someone in need around you we'd encourage you to team up with another Christian friend and ask God to show you how to meet their need directly. You can also get started with giving to Open Road or get in touch with any questions you may have.
Last mths giving: $5,974
Last mths expenses: $7,987
Bank Balance: $18,311
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
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