“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Ahoy Church,
Firstly, all welcome at Jesse’s for “Blokes, Bonfire + Bibles” from 430pm Saturday (286 North Maleny Road). Snags provided, BYO drinks + snacks.
During December we were encouraged to read 1st, 2nd + 3rd John. Martine’s reflection was just how strongly God calls us to love. In fact, 1st John makes it stunningly clear that if you don’t love, you shouldn’t claim to know God. Now that’s a big call!
God makes it clear: if you can’t love, even when it’s hard, you might not truly know or follow him.
“And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” - 1 John 4:19-21
Martine is currently reading a powerful book on forgiveness and bitterness in relationships, “How to be free from Bitterness” (she is reading the original Kindle version, but there’s a newer version :)). Again, she was reminded just how starkly Jesus warns us about offer loving forgiveness to those around us. If we don’t forgive, which Jesus commands, how can we claim to be forgiven followers of Jesus Christ?
Confronting.
However, such clarity offers a wonderful reminder that our Christian faith isn’t simply an act of will. Our identification with Jesus and His church isn’t merely a matter of membership, attendance or behaviour.
Forgiveness comes from faith in a supernatural God. It transforms us from the inside out. It triggers the permanent indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. Christianity isn’t merely a religion, but a unique spiritual reality which is designed to shape us in real, tangible ways.
We resist this divine transformation at our peril. Delaying forgiveness simply delays God’s grace flooding our lives. Delaying obedience to God’s life-giving truths simply extends the days we wallow in foolish falsehoods.
If it’s true that loving obedience to Jesus is always better for us, then Jesus’ hard-hitting words are never a barrier to being Fully Alive, but an invitation to it.
This Sunday, as we open our hearts to these simple truths, I want to encourage you to not simply, “try harder”, but to more earnestly ponder God’s love for you.
May every one of us be overcome with the transforming love of God. May those around us taste and see his love flowing out from every aspect of our lives. May they know that we truly are the followers of Jesus we all desire to be.
“We love because he first loved us” - 1 John 4:19
Much love, see you Sunday!
Dan
Coming Up
February
Sun 16 Feb - Beach Gathering at Moffats - Baptism Sun 23 Feb - Beach Gathering at Moffats
March
Sun 02 Mar - Worship Gathering - Venue TBC Sun 09 Mar - Beach Gathering at Moffats Sun 16 Mar - Beach Gathering at Moffats - Baptism Sun 23 Mar - Beach Gathering at Moffats Sun 30 Mar - Beach Gathering at Moffats
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: $19,739 Last month's expenses: $11,014
Balance: $83,933 Giving Kitty Oct 23- Jan 25: $5,000
Giving out Oct 23-Jan 25: $7,886
"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.
All Prayer Needs!
We are still encouraging each other to start sharing your prayer needs with the church. It’s a practice all Christians have sought to cultivate and one that every single individual and family really needs!
So, please share any needs in your life on the link below so we can pray for and followup with you as time goes by: https://forms.gle/PbQAVjjMLuD4ASmWA
Find more prayer resources and the above prayer link at https://www.openroad.church/prayer/
Good or God
Got a "good story" or a "God story"? Bring it with you on Sunday and share it with others, even with the whole group, if it's brief and encouraging!
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