Church Update
February 4, 2025
Dear Church of the Open Bible,
Still religion is like still water, it is the first to freeze.
When I think of this phrase, it reminds me of my younger days playing paintball. There is just enough pain with getting hit by a paintball that your instinct is to lie low, stay, hide, and survive. Our brains tell us, “Don’t move and you won’t get hit.” This strategy may seem to work well at the beginning of the game. Sure if you don’t move, it’s hard for you to get hit, but it’s also harder for your team to win. I don’t know how many games I’ve watched where the last person left on one team is the one who hid at the back of the field. It may just be me but it seems like that person always gets it the worst, the worst welts and the most welts. They’re usually outnumbered, surrounded and the other team really wants to make sure they’re hit. Strangely, the solution is to be active.
This is what we saw in Jonathan’s life in 1 Samuel 14:6 this past Sunday. He and his armour bearer, show active trust that is submissive to God’s will.
Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.” 1 Samuel 14:6
This is such a terrific example of biblical faith. Faith like this, does not dictate to God. It does not tell God what to do. Jonathan confesses the power of God and retains the freedom of God. But he is also willing to move. Jonathan’s confidence in God is revealed by taking steps in accordance with God’s will.
What does it look like for you to step out, trusting in God’s ability to save and transform you today?
In Christ,
Pastor Jeremy