"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."
James 5:16
It was wonderful to share Sundays gathering together with you all.
Not only did we hear about the freedom that comes through Jesus' message of repentance, but we celebrated repenting of our sins through confessing the sins that "entangle" us (Hebrews 12:1).
A number of people shared with me that God quite clearly spoke to them directly about their sin. Some confessed their sin to others, one confessed to the person they had sinned against.
I believe this is a result of Christ's words being clearly explained and his people responding to the prompting of his Holy Spirit.
What was the result?
Freedom.
Whenever we obey God, even in sacrificial or difficult ways, there is always a deep personal, spiritual reward.
As I've shared over the last two weeks, whatever level of vulnerability you're used to, I want to encourage you to stretch yourself just a little bit more.
This is not simply to grow your own faith that God can be trusted with whatever you've been carrying. It's also to encourage others that God can be trusted with their sin too.
“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Jesus, Mark 2:17
Jesus makes it clear that he came for sinners. While he calls us out of our sin, we aren't more attractive to him if we [attempt to] hide our sin.
As I shared before communion, Jesus came to ensure that there was no more sacrifice required for us to be able to confess our sin and receive forgiveness.
As we learn to practice communion on the beach, I want to encourage every one of us to turn up, open up and get free together!
Share just a little bit more than you normally would.
Confess just a little bit more than you ever have.
Open up to the Holy Spirit more than you've been willing to.
At our worship gatherings make a decision to sing a little louder, kneel a little longer, share a little deeper.
It's been my experience that as the Bible teaches, there is always more joy and freedom on the other side of obedience than we ever imagined.
Let's get free!
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday,
Dan
P.S. How was the experimental 'event' we setup on the YouVersion Bible App last Sunday?
JOIN Open Road on the Bible App
Could you please visit Open Road Community Church on the Bible App and connect with us as your church? Two reasons to connect with us on the Bible App are:
#1 It may help you read/listen to the Bible!
As we heard last Sunday, we want to take Jesus and his life-giving words seriously! The best way to do this is to begin to familiarise ourselves with the gospels and the rest of the Bible. If you can do this every day you'll notice
#2 It helps other locals find Jesus/us
If we have a few more people 'connect' with us via the app it means we will be more easily discoverable!
Connect with Open Road on the Bible App so locals can find us.
Coming Up
August
Mondays - Young Adults - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Thursdays - Dads Coffee, Bible + Prayer - Dan 0402 301 568
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sundays - Home Church - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Aug 17 Beach Gathering at Moffats + Baptisms Anybody?
Aug 24 Beach Gathering at Moffats
Aug 31 Worship with Jared + Co - Maleny Macadamia Farm
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: $19,513
Last month's expenses: $9,340
Balance: $79,791
Giving in : Oct 23-Jul 25: $5,000
Giving out : Oct 23-Jul 25: $14,082
"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.
Keen to know more?
Subscribe: At the bottom of every page you can subscribe to our newsletter.
Updates: View a list of all our weekly updates.
