Meridan Community Church

Most Christians I know have a deep desire that the people around and beyond them come to trust and follow Jesus just like them. We often wonder, “Is there anything I can do to help them come to know Jesus”? Unfortunately, it’s easy to think that if we just “try harder”, my friends will follow Jesus. However, God says that because faith is a supernatural step, it’s not something that we can, nor should, “manufacture” within anyone. Rather, a supernatural step of faith requires the supernatural work of God’s Holy Spirit. 
 
This truth is most evident at the beginning of the Christian movement. We don’t see any evidence that the early Christians used, or were encouraged towards, coercive power or manipulative tactics to force “conversion”. Rather, right throughout the story of the early church’s birth and development in the book of Acts we see that it was the willingness of people who were ‘full of the Holy Spirit’ to be used by God that caused it’s explosive growth. 
 
In fact, if we go through the early history of the church, it’s amazing just how the growth in the church is related to God’s people actively participating in his mission while ‘full of the Spirit’. From the promise in Acts 1:4-8 to the first Christian sermons in Acts 2:4,47 and 4:8 to the believers prayer for boldness in 4:29-31 to the first leadership structure to allow for more missionary growth in 6:1-7 to the sermon of Stephen, the first martyr, in 7:55, to the conversion of Saul to Paul in 9:17-18, Holy Spirit interpreting Peter’s vision in 10:19, the conversion of Gentiles in 10:44-47, the growth of the church in Antioch in 11:24, missionaries sent out from Antioch in 13:2-4, the salvation of a community leader in 13:9-12 and the guidance of a missionary journey in 16:6-10. It’s clear that we don’t just “need” the Holy Spirit to ‘get the job done’, but that without the Holy Spirit it’s impossible because it is ultimately his job. 
 
If you desire to see people around you come to put their faith in Jesus – and I know pretty much everyone reading this does desire that – then you need to be confident that God really does want to work through you. Much of the step out of our comfort zone comes down to a lack of boldness, confidence, faith that God really is going to work in and through us. You can see that the first Christians were self-aware that the rejection and criticism they received was wearing them down. Just like them, be willing to pause and ask God to remind you of his power and renew your spirit with the power of his spirit. Ask him to give you a boldness that sees beyond the blank stares or blunt rejection of your courageous expression of God’s love. 
 
So don’t give up on your friends, family members, colleagues and neighbours coming to faith. Rather than simply ‘trying harder’ or ‘doing better’, commit to sharing, “overflowing” whatever the Holy Spirit’s has put in your life - unable to keep it to yourself. 
 
Action: Ask God for boldness then take a bold step. It may be finding a chance to share your story on social media, offer someone prayer or reach out with compassion to a neighbour. 
 
Acts 4:23 
When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 
 
Acts 4:29-31 
And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. 
 
Digging Deeper: Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:4-8; John 7:37-39

Most Christians I know have a deep desire that the people around and beyond them come to trust and follow Jesus just like them. We often wonder, “Is there anything I can do to help them come to know Jesus”? Unfortunately, it’s easy to think that if we just “try harder”, my friends will follow Jesus. However, God says that because faith is a supernatural step, it’s not something that we can, nor should, “manufacture” within anyone. Rather, a supernatural step of faith requires the supernatural work of God’s Holy Spirit. 

This truth is most evident at the beginning of the Christian movement. We don’t see any evidence that the early Christians used, or were encouraged towards, coercive power or manipulative tactics to force “conversion”. Rather, right throughout the story of the early church’s birth and development in the book of Acts we see that it was the willingness of people who were ‘full of the Holy Spirit’ to be used by God that caused it’s explosive growth. 

In fact, if we go th

Finding Jesus | Acts 4:23, 29-31 “Empowered to grow the church” | Meridan Community Church

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be one of the disciples of Jesus who walked alongside him?! Well the good news is that Jesus actually told his disciples, and promised to us also, that even though he was leaving, God would send a “helper” who would be with and in his followers forever (John 14:15-17). 
 
Before Jesus gifted us the Holy Spirit, God’s presence was in certain places (e.g. Jewish temple) or in people at certain times (e.g. Joshua in Numbers 27:18). Jesus came to begin a new, permanent season of God’s Holy Spirit’s work in people that is clearly prophesied in the book of Joel. At Jesus baptism, we see the visual picture of the ‘heavens being opened’ to indicate that God was coming from heaven in a holy invasion of earth and that this filling of our hearts with God’s presence wouldn’t require theological or moral mastery but would be gifted to anyone who placed their faith in Jesus – entrusting him with their life and eternity. 
 
In the book of Acts we read a historical record of this outpouring of God’s presence in His people, beginning when the first Christians awaited the Holy Spirit just like Jesus taught them to. Once he came into them individually and dwelt amongst them as a group really good things began to happen. Not only did many people begin to respond to the gospel, but his followers experienced their own profound internal transformation of character, passion and purpose as God’s presence and power came to dwell among them (Acts 2:37-47). 
 
This personal transformation is a direct result of the Holy Spirit leaving Heaven and dwelling with and in them. This is the distinguishing mark of any follower of Jesus, not that they simply adhere to certain principles or religious practices, but that God’s presence in them transforms them into the people God’s original designed them to be. 
 
However, this is not the only purpose to the Holy Spirit filling us. Just like Jesus, God’s presence within us marks us as God’s beloved son or daughter. In the 2nd letter to the church in Corinth Paul says that God has “given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee”. This idea of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee is similar to a layby or putting a deposit down on a new car that you are committed to paying off in full. God is saying that just like He resurrected Jesus from the dead and brought Him back to heaven, He will also never leave us stranded on our own. His presence in us is part of his promise that we will one day be reunited with Him literally, physically, tangibly forever. 
 
Like a US Navy Seal, God is committed to “leaving no man [or woman] behind”. The presence of God in you is the reminder you need that God has not, and never will, forget you. In short, you have a place in eternity because God has found His place in you. 
 
Action: If you haven’t yet put your faith in Jesus, you can do so today. If you have, thank God for his Holy Spirit in you and that you are his forever. 
 
Acts 1:1-8, 
In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 4 And while staying[a] with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 
 
Acts 2:1-4; 
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested[a] on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 
 
Digging Deeper: Joel 2:28-29; Acts 2:1-2:4; John 14:15-17; 1 Cor 6:19-20; 2 Cor 1:22.

Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to be one of the disciples of Jesus who walked alongside him?! Well the good news is that Jesus actually told his disciples, and promised to us also, that even though he was leaving, God would send a “helper” who would be with and in his followers forever (John 14:15-17). 

Before Jesus gifted us the Holy Spirit, God’s presence was in certain places (e.g. Jewish temple) or in people at certain times (e.g. Joshua in Numbers 27:18). Jesus came to begin a new, permanent season of God’s Holy Spirit’s work in people that is clearly prophesied in the book of Joel. At Jesus baptism, we see the visual picture of the ‘heavens being opened’ to indicate that God was coming from heaven in a holy invasion of earth and that this filling of our hearts with God’s presence wouldn’t require theological or moral mastery but would be gifted to anyone who placed their faith in Jesus – entrusting him with their life and eternity. 

In the book of Acts we r

Finding Jesus | Acts 1:1-8, 2:1-4 “Filled by faith” | Meridan Community Church

Jesus summarised all of God’s law in one word expressed in two ways: love. We are to firstly love God with everything in us and then to love our neighbour as ourselves. In our church we summarise these two expressions simply as Loving Up (loving God) and Loving Out (loving others). 
 
A life of love always starts with the love of God. If we have encountered His love and experienced His forgiveness a new capacity to love is unlocked within us. 
 
In the Gospel of Luke chapter 7 a woman with a reputation as an “immoral” person had one of these life-transforming encounters with the love of God. In fact, she came to love Jesus so deeply that she gate-crashed a dinner party He was attending that she might wash his feet (feet got dusty back then, so servants would wash guests feet) with expensive perfume and tears of gratitude and then dry them with her hair! 
 
While others looked dimly upon her indiscretion, Jesus corrects the onlookers because they have not understood the depth of love that she has experienced in Him. While those around her looked down on her and no doubt sought to distance themselves from her and her sin (sexual immorality), Jesus not only welcomed her in His presence but promised a future unstained by sin. 
 
This profound acceptance by God was so overwhelming that once she realised Jesus came to rescue her from her sin rather than condemn her for it, her heart couldn’t help but overflow with an uncommon, indiscreet love. 
 
Likewise, when we realise the depth of love God has for us, it sparks a whole new kind of love for those around us. Many Christians, including myself, can attest to sensing that God’s love for others has “filled their hearts”. His extravagant love starts to free us to love others in the same way this woman loved Jesus - extravagantly. 
 
The story of the Good Samaritan is another one of these stories. After being snubbed by people you would expect to be kind, a man who has been mugged, robbed and beaten by criminals is generously cared for by a Samaritan man who was from a people group who were notoriously disliked by his people. Not only did he pay attention to his immediate needs, but he generously provided for his recovery and healing. His heart was overwhelmed by God's love and this gave him the capacity to love and overcome ethnic barriers and social norms. 
 
It is this kind of life - a life marked by unconditional love for God and neighbour - that God is calling us to. He’s not twisting our arm into it, but inviting us into a whirlwind of loving UP and loving OUT. 
Free to forgive 
 
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” 
 
“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner." And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher." "A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly." Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?" And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."” 
Luke 7:36-50 
 
Digging Deeper: Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:34, 15:9, 12-13

Jesus summarised all of God’s law in one word expressed in two ways: love. We are to firstly love God with everything in us and then to love our neighbour as ourselves. In our church we summarise these two expressions simply as Loving Up (loving God) and Loving Out (loving others). 

A life of love always starts with the love of God. If we have encountered His love and experienced His forgiveness a new capacity to love is unlocked within us.

In the Gospel of Luke chapter 7 a woman with a reputation as an “immoral” person had one of these life-transforming encounters with the love of God.  In fact, she came to love Jesus so deeply that she gate-crashed a dinner party He was attending that she might wash his feet (feet got dusty back then, so servants would wash guests feet) with expensive perfume and tears of gratitude and then dry them with her hair!

While others looked dimly upon her indiscretion, Jesus corrects the onlookers because they have not understood the depth of love that s

Finding Jesus | John 7:36-50 “This love sets us free to love”| Meridan Community Church

The story of Paul is the story of a leader who is seeking a purpose to live for and a cause to fight for. Paul is a powerful Bible character! After pursuing the oppression and imprisonment of Christians throughout the region His miraculous encounter with the risen Jesus literally brings him to his knees. God leads him to another believer, Ananias, who is tasked with making him ready for his new mission in life - leading people to Jesus far and wide. 
 
One of the many surprising parts of this story is when Ananias questions God regarding the validity of the faith of the person who we now know would become the most influential Christian leader in history! In what seems to be a case of scepticism and self-preservation Ananias questions why he has been called to help an essentially bad man who may end up imprisoning him if he helps him as God has directed him to. 
 
Even well-intentioned Christians can become so convinced that God only works with “the good guys” that we forget that Jesus is not only a lover of his enemies, but powerful enough to turn his enemies into the most ardent supporters of his worldwide mission of life. While we can easily count people out due to their previous or present hatred of God, Jesus is always looking to count people in. 
 
Like Paul, many aggressive enemies of God believe they are doing right and are seeking a deeper purpose in life and a “cause worth fighting for”. It’s not until they encounter the truth and power of Jesus that they realise they have been fighting for a lesser cause all their life. 
 
When anyone comes to this point we need to not be surprised or afraid but to celebrate their faith and aid their faith and health in whatever way we can. A commitment to accepting even past enemies of Jesus in this way ensures that today’s atheists have a chance to become tomorrow’s Christian leaders. 
 
Do you know anyone who is aggressively against God? They could be a friend, a colleague or a family member. Be assured that Jesus came for his enemies - those who actively fight against him and his followers. 
 
Write down their name below and pray that God may miraculously shine His light in their life and bring them to a new cause to fight for. 
 
Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au 
 
Acts 9:1-19 
9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 
 
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

The story of Paul is the story of a leader who is seeking a purpose to live for and a cause to fight for. Paul is a powerful Bible character! After pursuing the oppression and imprisonment of Christians throughout the region His miraculous encounter with the risen Jesus literally brings him to his knees. God leads him to another believer, Ananias, who is tasked with making him ready for his new mission in life - leading people to Jesus far and wide.

One of the many surprising parts of this story is when Ananias questions God regarding the validity of the faith of the person who we now know would become the most influential Christian leader in history! In what seems to be a case of scepticism and self-preservation Ananias questions why he has been called to help an essentially bad man who may end up imprisoning him if he helps him as God has directed him to.

Even well-intentioned Christians can become so convinced that God only works with “the good guys” that we forget that Jesus is n

Finding Jesus | Acts 9:1-19 “He came for the hater/enemy”  |  Meridan Community Church

Modern Christians tend to focus on Jesus’ entry into the world as a baby more than they do His promise to return as King. While Christmas is truly worth celebrating and a great time to share His message, Jesus himself calls us to ensure that we are ‘ready’ for His return. Given how adamant He is, it’s worth considering, “Exactly how do I get ‘ready’?” Is there a course to take or a book to read? 
 
If we read around Matthew 24 and 25 there are a few clues. Firstly, we are to be “awake” and “ready” for Him to return at any time, given that no one knows the day or hour to expect him. 
 
Secondly, this state of readiness is characterised by action, not idleness. In Matthew 24 and 25 this action seems to be a matter of fulfilling the roles and tasks that God has called us to do in our own lives and to faithfully become the kinds of people that mirror the life and love of Jesus. 
 
In a very simple way, this is like a parent asking their children to clean their room at the end of each day. “OK Guys, I’m going to cook dinner and when I come back I want everything to be perfectly in order!” Anyone who has made that request knows that the issue isn’t simply that they are unlikely to do their jobs but are most likely to either fight or get distracted! 
 
Like children, we need a reminder to “get your jobs done and stop mucking around!” We are easily distracted from not just our calling in life but also our identity - followers of Jesus called to live lives marked by love! So let’s be “ready” for Jesus’ return by doing the things and being the people that He has called us to! 
 
What has God called you to do? How can you more clearly reflect his heart? 
 
Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au 
 
Matt 24:42-44 
42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Modern Christians tend to focus on Jesus’ entry into the world as a baby more than they do His promise to return as King. While Christmas is truly worth celebrating and a great time to share His message, Jesus himself calls us to ensure that we are ‘ready’ for His return. Given how adamant He is, it’s worth considering, “Exactly how do I get ‘ready’?” Is there a course to take or a book to read?

If we read around Matthew 24 and 25 there are a few clues. Firstly, we are to be “awake” and “ready” for Him to return at any time, given that no one knows the day or hour to expect him.

Secondly, this state of readiness is characterised by action, not idleness. In Matthew 24 and 25 this action seems to be a matter of fulfilling the roles and tasks that God has called us to do in our own lives and to faithfully become the kinds of people that mirror the life and love of Jesus. 

In a very simple way, this is like a parent asking their children to clean their room at the end of each day. “OK G

Following Jesus  | Matt 24:42-44  “Be prepared for Jesus’ return” | Meridan Community Church

We all know the significance of someone’s “last words”. In the gospel of John we read Jesus’ direct, even bold, commands to Peter who was the first leader of the fledging family we now call Christians. 
 
After establishing that their relationship is founded upon love, Jesus directs Peter to “feed My sheep” as an expression of this love. Though not always glamorous or popular, this role as a servant leader is the pre-eminent model for Jesus’ church throughout history. 
 
The earnestness with which Jesus instructed His friend shows that this role is incredibly significant in His mind. This indicates a simple, uncomfortable principle for even the most mature of His followers - every one of Jesus’ sheep needs a shepherd! Despite the strengths within each of us, we are prone to wander and in need of a man or woman to constantly guide us back to Jesus’ path. 
 
Not only does every sheep need a shepherd but every shepherd is also a sheep. 
 
Despite the capacity of pastors in today’s churches, every pastor also needs a pastor. Every mature man or woman needs another man or woman to lovingly guide them to a life and a faith that nourishes them as Jesus promised it would. 
 
So, pause for a moment and reflect on whether or not you have a shepherd in your life? If you have that sorted, then you can then start to ask God, “God, are there any sheep around me that You are calling me to shepherd?” 
 
Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au 
 
John 21-15-16 
15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

We all know the significance of someone’s “last words”. In the gospel of John we read Jesus’ direct, even bold, commands to Peter who was the first leader of the fledging family we now call Christians.

After establishing that their relationship is founded upon love, Jesus directs Peter to “feed My sheep” as an expression of this love. Though not always glamorous or popular, this role as a servant leader is the pre-eminent model for Jesus’ church throughout history.

The earnestness with which Jesus instructed His friend shows that this role is incredibly significant in His mind. This indicates a simple, uncomfortable principle for even the most mature of His followers - every one of Jesus’ sheep needs a shepherd! Despite the strengths within each of us, we are prone to wander and in need of a man or woman to constantly guide us back to Jesus’ path.

Not only does every sheep need a shepherd but every shepherd is also a sheep.

Despite the capacity of pastors in today’s churches, every

Following Jesus  | “Shepherd other followers of Jesus” John 21:15-16 | Meridan Community Church

Unlike some of our idealistic views of reality, Jesus knows that eventually all of us will be “caught out” by temptation. Like us, three of Jesus’ closest companions - Peter, James and John - got completely caught out the night of their leaders' arrest in the garden of Gethsemane. Like Peter, James and John, we need to be alert to the reality that our strength of spirit and bold intentions (“everything is awesome”!) can be exactly what blinds us to just how weak our flesh is. 
 
Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au 
 
Matt 5: 40-41 
40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 
41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Unlike some of our idealistic views of reality, Jesus knows that eventually all of us will be “caught out” by temptation. Like us, three of Jesus’ closest companions - Peter, James and John - got completely caught out the night of their leaders' arrest in the garden of Gethsemane.  Like Peter, James and John, we need to be alert to the reality that our strength of spirit and bold intentions (“everything is awesome”!) can be exactly what blinds us to just how weak our flesh is.

Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au

Matt 5: 40-41
40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 
41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Following Jesus  | “Watch and Pray to avoid temptation” Matt 26: 40-41  | Meridan Community Church

When we exercise our personal right to retaliate - or “justice” as we like to call it - against someone who has sinned against us we enter into their world - a kingdom dominated by darkness. However, when we follow Jesus by exercising our responsibility to love someone who has sinned against use we invite them into God’s world - a kingdom of light. 
 
Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au 
 
Matt 5: 38-42 
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

When we exercise our personal right to retaliate - or “justice” as we like to call it - against someone who has sinned against us we enter into their world - a kingdom dominated by darkness. However, when we follow Jesus by exercising our responsibility to love someone who has sinned against use we invite them into God’s world - a kingdom of light.

Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au

Matt 5: 38-42 
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Following Jesus  | “Turn the other cheek” Matt 5: 38-39  | Meridan Community Church

Taking Jesus at His word is called FAITH and His invitation is to simply say, “yes”! 
Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au 
 
Matt 5: 33-37 - “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil

Taking Jesus at His word is called FAITH and His invitation is to simply say, “yes”!
Connect with us at www.meridan.com.au

Matt 5: 33-37 - “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ 34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil

Meridan Community Church Videos

Finding Jesus | Acts 4:23, 29-31 “Empowered to grow the church” | Meridan Community Church

Finding Jesus | Acts 1:1-8, 2:1-4 “Filled by faith” | Meridan Community Church

Finding Jesus | John 7:36-50 “This love sets us free to love”| Meridan Community Church

Finding Jesus | Acts 9:1-19 “He came for the hater/enemy” | Meridan Community Church

Following Jesus | Matt 24:42-44 “Be prepared for Jesus’ return” | Meridan Community Church

Following Jesus | “Shepherd other followers of Jesus” John 21:15-16 | Meridan Community Church

Following Jesus | “Watch and Pray to avoid temptation” Matt 26: 40-41 | Meridan Community Church

Following Jesus | “Turn the other cheek” Matt 5: 38-39 | Meridan Community Church

Following Jesus | “Speak simply and truthfully” Matt 5:37 | Meridan Community Church

Following Jesus | "Abide in Jesus" John 15:4 | Meridan Community Church

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