"ARE YOU THE ONE?" John the Baptist had given his life to serve as the fore-runner of Jesus. However, things didn't turn out the way he expected, and he sent some of his followers to ask Jesus "Are you the One? Or is someone else coming?" We're going to look at that question - what led to it, and how Jesus answered it - Dec. 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door. I hope to see you there!

"IMPORTANT, IF TRUE!" During the 19th century, European news publications would post some stories with the caption "Important, if true." That meant that they had not had the time to confirm the story, but, if it were true, it was too important to hold until the next publication. (Hmm.....that might be a nice addition to today's news media!) The story of Christmas is "Important, if true." I invite you to meet with us at Open Door Sunday, Dec. 23, at 11:00 a.m. for a time of singing familiar carols, reading the Christmas story, and taking the Lord's Supper. At Open Door, we believe it's true - and we invite you to meet with us to celebrate this Truth!

There's a song that says, "God uses ordinary people." I'm thankful for that! We are currently studying the Book of Judges, and learning from the lives of the ordinary men and women God used to bring deliverance to His people. As I'm preparing these studies, I'm struck again by how "ordinary" the Judges were - and that's encouraging! I invite you to join us at Open Door Sundays at 11:00 a.m. as we learn how God can use us - ordinary people - to make a positive impact in people's lives.

"God works in a mysterious way"

Some of you may know that hymn. It's certainly a true statement! This Sunday, Sept. 9, we will be closing our series through Joshua with a look back at the history of Israel, and what it teaches us about God's work in OUR lives. This truth may be one of the most important truths Christ-followers can know. I encourage you to meet with us at 11:00 a.m. this Sunday at Open Door!

Upcoming Sermons

I thought I knew the story of Joshua - until I started working on this series of messages through the book! There is so much to learn from him. The last few weeks' lessons are available on line, and you can send an email to be mailed archived sermons. Check out www.opendoorcommunity.net and go to the "Media" tab for more information.

Aug. 5 we will be looking at the Cities of Refuge. It's good to know that our God acknowledges the difference between intentional and accidental acts, and provides His grace. My prayer for Open Door is that we be a "city of refuge" for those who need a place of God's grace and healing.

Aug. 12 we will be studying Josh. 22. If you've ever been damaged by people who jumped to conclusions about you before actually getting to know you, you'll appreciate this truth!

Aug. 19 and 26 we will be looking at Josh. 22 and 23, which contain Joshua's last words to the Children of Israel. He teaches us by his example how to be a good leader, and his call to "choose you this day whom you will serve" is still a clarion call for us to "decide to follow Jesus - no turning back!"

I look forward to seeing you Sunday at 11:00 a.m.

Hug your kids

The shooting at the latest Batman movie reminds us that life is uncertain. Many teenagers and young adults go to midnight showings of blockbuster movies. That such an innocent activity can end in tragedy strikes close to every parent's heart. If you've not told your kids recently that you love them, this would be a good time. And if there are any young adults reading this - let your parents know you love them, too!

Our prayers and thoughts go out to all impacted by this event.

Don't stop short of God's best!

Sunday mornings at Open Door we're studying the book of Joshua. Over the next couple of weeks we'll be looking at the dividing of the land between the tribes. We will look at 2 contrasting attitudes:

1) the 2 1/2 tribes that settled west of the Jordan River - NOT in the Promised Land;
2) Caleb, who, in his 80's, received all God had for Him.

Let's go after all God has promised us!

Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod

You may recognize at least one of those names - the Gaza Strip stays in the news. You may not realize that Joshua allowed these 3 city-states to remain in existence, in spite of God's command to totally destroy "everything that breathes."
Deut. 20:16; Josh. 11:22)

Over the next 3 Sundays we will look at a major event that happened in each of these 3 city-states, and learn some lessons about the importance of obedience in our lives!

However, God is a God of grace, and we'll also see how He can redeem our mistakes! It's good news!

I hope to see you Sunday at Open Door.

Bouncing Back from Failure

One of the traits of the Bible is that it shows us the full picture of its characters. We get to see not only the strengths, but the weaknesses, of the men and women we call the "Heroes of our Faith".

We see that in Joshua 9 with Joshua's failure to "inquire of the Lord" before he made a decision. We'll be studying that event Sunday, June 10, at 11:00 a.m.

It's good news for all of us that God can use imperfect people - after all, that's all He has to work with! On Fathers' Day, June 17, we'll look at the positive characteristics of Joshua, and learn how we can be people God uses, in spite of our faults and failures.

I look forward to seeing you one of these Sunday mornings at Open Door!

The Agony of Defeat

Sundays at 11 a.m. at Open Door we're studying the book of Joshua. April 29 we studied "The Thrill of Victory", with the battle of Jericho. Sunday, May 6, we will study "The Agony of Defeat". I suggest you read Joshua 7 in preparation for our time together. See you then!

WHAT HAPPENED TO JESUS AFTER EASTER?

Have you ever wondered "Where is Jesus now? I know He rose from the dead, but what happened after that?" If you have, please plan to be at Open Door Sunday, April 15, at 11:00 a.m. We'll be answering the questions "Where is Jesus now?" and "What is He doing?"

Holy Week

April 1 - 8 is known as "Holy Week" in the church calendar. Of course, here in Augusta, it's also Masters' Week - a time when Augusta is filled with out-of-town guests for the golf tournament.

Whether you're an Augusta native, or a visiting guest, I welcome you to spend an hour Sunday at Open Door. Sunday, April 1, at 11:00 a.m., we will be focusing on the Cross. We will conclude our time together taking the Lord's Supper. You are welcome to join us for this meaningful time.

Sunday, April 8, at 11:00 a.m., I invite you to celebrate Easter with us! What good news - Jesus is alive and well!

Our gatherings are informal, and the dress code is casual.

Open Door Community Church is located in the Augusta Business Center, on Washington Rd., less than 1 mile west of I-20 (exit 199). The entrance to the Augusta Business Center is immediately before Applebee's.

Joshua

Beginning Jan. 29, we will be looking at the life of Joshua. He successfully overcame difficult challenges, and shows us how to do the same! I hope to see you Sundays at 11:00 a.m. at Open Door!