To live for Jesus, you need power of Jesus

"The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you."
- Romans 8:11

Ahoy Church,

It's an amazing time in history to be in the family of God. On Sunday we talked about God's Holy Spirit who dwells in everyone who believes in Jesus.

This is not simply a great 'topic', but a wonderful moment when history changed.

Before Jesus only a select few were "filled with the Spirit" for particular purposes. However, we now live in the moment prophesied and promised in Joel 2:28-29 where men and women, young and old, leaders and lay people will all have access to God's Spirit.

We discussed some of this on Sunday:

1. Jesus was filled with, led by and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Luke 4)
2. Before Christians were to follow in Jesus' footsteps and fulfil his mission Jesus said they were to "wait" for the Holy Spirit.
3. Everyone who believes in Jesus is gifted the Holy Spirit. You don't GET the Spirit, you're GIFTED him by faith.
4. The Spirit is not just given to satisfy our own spiritual thirst, but to fulfill Jesus' mission to take his message to every nation on earth.
5. If you want to be filled, led or empowered by God's Spirit, Jesus commands you to ASK.
6. While it's great to study the Bible and theology, when it comes to the Holy Spirit, we're not called to study him, but to receive him and to be continually filled by him.
7. Again, this is not just for you, but for others. This is why the gifts of the Spirit exist, to bless, encourage and reach others for Jesus'sake.

What you'll notice from the scriptures we read on Sunday (Luke 24:44-49; John 7:37-39; Luke 11:9-13) and my points above, the Holy Spirit is very action-oriented. This is an incredibly important point on this topic.

While churches often draw hard theological lines on this topic, I'm encouraging you to respond on this topic in a specific way.

Like the topic of love, the Holy Spirit isn't designed to be simply studied. While I'd encourage you to study the Holy Spirit in the Bibles, the key command from Jesus isn't to study, memorise and categorise the Holy Spirit, but to receive Him. Paul also makes it really clear that we are to receive this gift by faith and to be continually filled by the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is God's very personal presence in and with us. If you have faith in Jesus you have the same Holy Spirit in and with you that Jesus had.

"...how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:13

Read, study and learn about the Holy Spirit, but remember that He is to be known and encountered not just discussed :)

As Jesus says, ask.

--

On the topic of the Holy Spirit, is there one question you have that you'd love answered? Or topic that you'd love covered?

Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!

Dan

Exploring the Holy Spirit

Last week I watched two videos on the topic of the Holy Spirit. I'm recommending them not because they're the best I've ever seen, but because they are two recent (modern) reflections from two mainstream pastors from different backrounds. You don't have to agree with every single thing they say, but what I appreciated most is their weaving of theology with experience. If God's Word, the Bible, is true then our experience should align with it (not the Bible aligning with our experience by the way).

While they were specific to the gifts of the Spirit and Prophecy, they both provide a good, personal introduction to the Holy Spirit generally.

Dignity Freedom Network - Tue Aug 12th

Paul and Sheryl have been involved for a long-time with Dignitiy Freedom Network (DFN), who have an upcoming dinner you're encouraged to check out!

Hidden behind a veil of culture & tradition, thousands of young girls are condemned to a life of ritualised sexual abuse. DFN's vision is to completely end this heinous practice. Celebrating our decade of dinners, Dr Beryl D’Souza will share updates & stories of restoration. Hear how you can help expand our reach, providing freedom & dignity to thousands facing exploitation. Join us to help end this form of modern-day slavery.

RSVPs essential for catering purposes.
Registration cost for each dinner is $30.
Register easily: dfn.org.au/dinners

Coming Up

July

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

Sun 27 Beach Gathering at Moffats

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 03 Worship with Hill Family at City Life
Aug 10 Beach Gathering at Moffats
Aug 17 Beach Gathering at Moffats + Baptisms Anybody?
Aug 24 Beach Gathering at Moffats
Aug 31 Worship with Jared + Co at Mapleton

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: $9,053
Last month's expenses: $10,681
Balance: $79,719
Giving in : Oct 23-Jun 25: $5000
Giving out : Oct 23-Jun 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.

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