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cleansing the temple - holy week blog post

Cleansing the Temple

Holy Monday: Who are we pushing out?

By Josh Hatcher

There’s a version of Jesus people are comfortable with.

He’s calm. Gentle. Soft-spoken.
He teaches nice things. Helps people feel better.

And then there’s Holy Monday.

This is the day Jesus walks into the temple… and starts flipping tables.

Coins scatter. Animals run loose.
People are shouting.
And Jesus is right in the middle of it.


This scene from the chosen shows what the cleansing of the temple might have looked like.

“My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13)

But here’s something we don’t always talk about:

Where this was happening matters.

The Space That Was Taken

The money changers and merchants had set up in the outer courts of the temple.

That space had a purpose. It was the place where Gentiles—non-Jews—were allowed to come and worship God. It was as close as they could get.

And it had been turned into a marketplace.

Loud. Distracting.
Crowded. Transactional.

The very place meant to welcome outsiders…
had been taken over by insiders.

And without anyone saying it out loud, the message was clear:

There’s no room for you here.

Jesus Was Defending Access

When Jesus flipped those tables, He wasn’t just reacting to greed.

He was restoring access.

He was making space again for people who were being pushed out.

He was clearing away everything that stood between people and God.

And that hits different.

Because now this isn’t just about corruption.

It’s about who gets excluded.

Who Are We Pushing Out?

That’s the question Holy Monday forces us to ask.

Not just as a church… but personally.

What in my life is taking up space that belongs to God?

And even deeper:

Is there anything in me that makes it harder for someone else to come to Him?

Not intentionally.

But practically.

My attitude.
My habits.
My distractions.
My comfort.

The things I’ve allowed to set up shop in places that were meant for something sacred.

This story, of a loud Jesus wielding a whip, and standing boldly has always appealed to me, since I was a kid.

As a bullied kid who was often treated unfairly, I felt like this Jesus would stand up for me. I had enough of “turning the other cheek” and “heaping coals of fire” on the heads of my bullies. But this Jesus, was tough. He defended not only God’s house, but defended the outcasts and the weirdos.

This Jesus is no different than the one who spoke in Sermon on the Mount, a peaceful message that many interpreted as non-violent. Honestly, that picture of Jesus is only a part of the story. Jesus isn’t just meek, mild, and lowly. He is fiery. He is just. He is “consumed with zeal”. That makes him good.

There are times, when in my attempt to model the meek and mild, I have been silent when I should speak up. There are also times, when my zeal is driven by my own desires, and I end up turning over the wrong tables.

Jesus modeled both. When He was crucified, He could have protested, but He was “silent as a lamb before the slaughter.” And when He confronted the moneychangers in the temple, He was a dangerous rebel with a weapon.

Jesus Still Flips Tables

Here’s the thing.

Jesus didn’t ask permission.

He didn’t negotiate.

He overturned what didn’t belong—because it was hurting people.

And I think sometimes we want Jesus to comfort us…
when He actually wants to clear some things out.

Not to shame us.

But to make room again.

Repentance Makes Space

Confession means to “say the same thing.”
Repentance is turning away from the wrong thing.
It’s about agreeing with Jesus.

It’s about letting Him come in and say,
“This doesn’t belong here anymore.”

And then actually letting it go.

Because your life—just like the temple—was meant to be:

“A house of prayer.”

A place where God is near.
A place where others can encounter Him too.

Make Room

So here’s the question:

What’s taking up space in your life right now?

What’s crowding out what God wants to do?

And is there anything—anything at all—that’s making it harder for someone else to draw near?

Jesus still clears space.

Not because He’s angry…
but because He cares about who’s being left out.

Let’s pray this prayer together:

O Lord our God, who is rich in mercy and abundant in compassion,
who alone is good and loves mankind:
forgive me every sin, whether committed knowingly or unknowingly.

Cleanse my soul and body from every defilement of flesh and spirit.

Grant that I may stand before You without condemnation,
and offer You a pure heart. Amen.

-St. Basil the Great

Josh Hatcher

Josh Hatcher is the Communications Director at Open Arms Community Church. He is married to Pastor Zoe Hatcher, and leads the Tribe of Lions Microchurch for men. He also is the founder of Manlihood.com
Josh Hatcher is the Communications Director at Open Arms Community Church. He is married to Pastor Zoe Hatcher, and leads the Tribe of Lions Microchurch for men. He also is the founder of Manlihood.com
church work day

Church Work Day at Open Arms Community Church | February 28, 2026

We’re inviting everyone to be part of our upcoming Church Work Day at Open Arms Community Church on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

This church-wide day is an opportunity to serve together and care for the space we share as a church family.

What Is Church Work Day?

Church Work Day is a time set aside for practical, hands-on service. From organizing and cleaning to maintenance and small projects, every helping hand makes a difference.

There’s something meaningful about working shoulder to shoulder — building ownership, strengthening community, and stewarding the place where we gather each week.

Event Details

  • Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
  • Time: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
  • Location: Open Arms Community Church

You can come for the whole day or just part of it. Every hour matters.

Questions?

For questions, reach out to the office at
bradford@oachurch.com
814-368-8846

We’re grateful for a church family that serves together.

encounter in Bradford PA

Encounter Weekend: A Space to Listen for God’s Call

Some moments matter because of what happens in them.
Others matter because of what they set in motion.

Encounter Weekend has consistently been that kind of moment for us.

Over the years, we’ve watched God use these weekends to clarify calling, ignite vision, and send people out in ways none of us could have planned. We’ve seen microchurches launched, churches planted, and ministries born out of prayerful discernment that began in rooms just like ours. We’ve welcomed church planters and leaders from around the world, each bringing stories of what God is doing—and leaving with fresh clarity about what He’s calling them to next.

At its heart, Encounter exists for one reason:
to help people discern God’s call to multiplication.

This is a weekend set aside for worship, prayer, and practical training—space to listen, learn, and ask honest questions about where God may be leading you. Together, we explore five strategies for multiplying disciples and churches, not as a formula to copy, but as a framework to help you recognize how God might be at work in and through your life.

If you’ve been sensing a nudge toward starting a microchurch…
If you’re feeling unsettled where you are and wondering what your next step in ministry might be…
If you know God is stirring something, but you’re not sure what to call it yet…

Encounter is a good place to be.

You don’t need to arrive with a plan. You don’t need to have everything figured out. What matters is a willingness to listen and respond.

This year’s Encounter Weekend takes place January 16–17, 2026, at Open Arms Community Church, and there is no cost to attend. We do ask that you RSVP so we can prepare well. Lunch will be provided on Saturday.

If you’re asking God what’s next—and you’re open to being sent—this weekend is an invitation to lean in, listen closely, and take a faithful step forward.

👉 Register here:
https://cdn.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3337725

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Rich Dennison at rich@oachurch.com.

We’d love to walk this discernment journey with you.

things to do in bradford pa

New Year, New You: A Community Fun Night at Open Arms Community Church

The beginning of a new year often brings a mix of hope, motivation, and pressure. At Open Arms Community Church, we want to create space for something healthier and more encouraging—a night to prepare for the year ahead without stress or expectations.

New Year, New You is a Community Fun Night designed to help individuals and families step into the new year with clarity, connection, and a sense of purpose.

Games to Help You Prepare for the New Year

Throughout the evening, we’ll enjoy games designed to help you prepare for the new year, with lighthearted activities centered on resolutions and decluttering. These activities are meant to be practical and fun—helping you think about what you want to carry forward and what you might want to leave behind as the year begins.

Along the way, we’ll also have:

  • Prizes
  • Refreshments
  • A thoughtfully selected scripture list focused on fresh starts and new beginnings

Many of the activities are designed so kids can participate alongside adults, making this a great night for families to enjoy together.

Event Details

📅 Saturday, January 10, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Open Arms Community Church – Fellowship Hall
📍 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA

Everyone Is Welcome

New Year, New You is open to everyone—whether you’re part of the Open Arms family or visiting for the first time. Come as you are, bring your family, and enjoy an evening of connection, laughter, and encouragement as we begin the year together.

For questions, contact Angel Atkinson at angelcare@oachurch.com or 814-366-1558.

Chapel at Pitt Bradford

Join Us for Worship at UPB This Sunday, December 7 at 7PM!

We’d love for you to join us this Sunday, December 7 at 7PM for a worship service on campus at the Harriet B. Wick Chapel, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

This special gathering is hosted by the Sunday Dinner Microchurch—a group of young adults who meet weekly for connection, conversation, and growing in faith together. After their usual Sunday gathering, they’re heading to UPB to lead a night of worship, and you’re invited to be part of it!

🙌 What to Expect

  • Live worship led by young adults
  • A warm and welcoming space for students and friends
  • A chance to pause, breathe, and encounter God together on campus

📍 Location:

Harriet B. Wick Chapel
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

🕖 Time:

Sunday, December 7 at 7:00 PM

Bring a friend, bring your questions, or just bring yourself—you’ll find community waiting for you.
We can’t wait to worship with you this Sunday night!

do i need a church to follow jesus?

Why Isolation Is Dangerous — and How God Designed Us for Community 🧩

Have You Ever Felt Like Something’s Missing?

Have you ever spent hours putting together a puzzle, only to realize one piece was missing? The picture looks almost complete—but that single gap draws your eyes every time. You can’t unsee it.

That’s what life feels like when we try to live without community. You might have a career, hobbies, even faith—but without people walking beside you, something vital is missing.

In this message from our Do As I Do series at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, we explore how Jesus lived in community, why isolation is so dangerous, and how the right relationships can transform your spiritual life.

🕊️ We Were Made for Community

Even in the perfection of Eden, God declared something profound:

Genesis 2:18 (NIV)
“The Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.’”

Adam lived in paradise and walked in perfect fellowship with God—yet God still said it wasn’t good for him to be alone. Why? Because we were made in the image of a relational God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—eternally connected in community.

That means you and I were designed for relationship. Life apart from meaningful connection was never part of God’s plan.

Author John Mark Comer puts it this way in Practicing the Way:

“Following Jesus isn’t just about believing certain truths in our heads—it’s about adopting His way of life.”

And His way of life was always rooted in relationship.

Imagine a campfire: as long as the coals stay together, they stay hot. But separate one from the pile, and it quickly grows cold. That’s us. Together we burn brighter. Alone we fade out.

🚫 The Danger of the Wrong Community—or No Community at All

Not every group we belong to is good for us. Scripture makes that clear:

Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”

The people around us shape who we become. If you’re trying to grow closer to God, but spend your time with people who pull you in the opposite direction, it’s like trying to swim upstream in a current of compromise.

There are also pseudo-communities—groups that look like real relationships but don’t feed the soul.
Social media can make you feel connected, but typed words and emoji hearts can’t replace a hand on your shoulder when you’re hurting.

Workplaces, friend circles, and even online “tribes” can become substitutes for real connection, but without spiritual depth, they leave us empty.

And when we withdraw entirely, isolation becomes the enemy’s playground.
Peter warns us:

1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
“Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Who does the lion attack? The one who strays from the herd.
When we believe the lies that “no one understands,” “no one cares,” or “I don’t belong anywhere,” we become easy prey.

That’s why community isn’t optional—it’s essential.

✝️ Jesus Chose Community

If anyone could have done life alone, it was Jesus. Yet He deliberately chose to surround Himself with others.

Luke 6:13 (NIV)
“When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.”

Jesus lived, ate, prayed, and traveled with His disciples. He shared His most vulnerable moments with His inner circle—Peter, James, and John. Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, as He faced the cross, He asked them to stay and pray with Him.

He also sent His followers two by two—never alone—because He knew the power of shared mission.

If the perfect Son of God didn’t walk alone, why do we think we can?

🕊️ The Early Church: A Model of True Community

After Jesus rose from the dead, His followers didn’t scatter—they gathered.

Acts 2:42–47 (NIV)
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.
All the believers were together and had everything in common.
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

The early church didn’t grow because of marketing or buildings.
It grew because people saw a community of love, generosity, and togetherness unlike anything in the world.

Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”

Real community isn’t just a Sunday handshake—it’s sharing meals, carrying burdens, and walking through life together.

❤️ Why the Right Community Matters

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NIV)
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

The communities we join will shape the people we become.

  • The wrong community can pull us down.
  • No community leaves us vulnerable.
  • The right community helps us flourish.

John Mark Comer says that spiritual formation happens in three environments: teaching, practice, and community. We can listen to sermons and pray faithfully, but if we’re not rooted in relationships, transformation stalls.

💬 So What Does This Mean for Us?

  1. Ask yourself: Who are my people? Who is my church?
    The church isn’t a building—it’s a body.
  2. Don’t just attend—belong.
    Church isn’t a concert where we watch from the crowd—it’s a team where everyone plays a part.
  3. Practice vulnerability.
    Growth requires honesty. Real connection starts when we stop saying “I’m fine” and start saying “I’m struggling.”
  4. Guard your community.
    Be wise about who you allow to influence your heart. Not everyone deserves a seat at your table.
  5. Contribute.
    Community isn’t about consuming; it’s about serving. Look for someone to encourage or lift up today.

John 14:12 (NIV)
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”

This isn’t a solo mission. It’s a community mission.

Alone, you might change one life. Together, we can change the world.

🤝 The Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:12–26 (NIV)
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
…The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’
…If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

That’s what the church is meant to be—a body where everyone matters, every gift counts, and every person belongs.

Jesus didn’t walk alone, and neither should you.

Community isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Find your place.
Open your life.
Belong to the body of Christ.

Because together, we can do greater things.

✨ Looking for a Community in Bradford, PA?

Join us Sunday mornings at 71 Congress Street, Bradford, PA.
At Open Arms Community Church, you’ll find a place to grow, connect, and belong.

👉 Plan your visit today.

life skills group in bradford pa

Hope in Life: A New Microchurch for Spirit, Mind, and Body

Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA is launching a new microchurch called Hope in Life, led by Angel Atkinson. This weekly gathering is designed to nurture the whole person—spirit, mind, and body—through faith, conversation, and hands-on learning.

Hope in Life meets every Friday evening from 5–7 p.m. Each week includes a time in the Bible, space for group discussion, and an opportunity to practice a new skill. The focus changes weekly, from cooking and sewing to self-care, cleaning, or even understanding emotions. On the fourth Friday of each month, the group hosts a shared dinner, creating an atmosphere of friendship and community.

Angel’s heart for this ministry is to provide a place where practical tools and spiritual encouragement come together. By offering both, Hope in Life helps participants grow stronger in faith while also equipping them with everyday skills that build confidence and hope.

Why Hope in Life Matters

True wholeness touches every part of life. Struggles with daily routines can often weigh down the heart, just as spiritual burdens can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Hope in Life creates a safe place where people can find encouragement, learn together, and discover that God cares about their entire well-being—spirit, mind, and body.

Refer Someone Who You Know

Hope in Life is not just for those who already know what they need. Sometimes the best way to help is simply to extend an invitation. Friends, neighbors, or family members may benefit from a group like this even if they would never ask for it themselves. Referrals are a vital part of this ministry—pointing someone toward a supportive community can open the door to healing, growth, and renewed hope.

Hope in Life meets every Friday from 5–7 p.m. at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, and is led by Angel Atkinson. This microchurch is committed to walking alongside people as they grow stronger spiritually, emotionally, and practically.

For more information about Open Arms Community Church and its network of microchurches, or to sign up for Hope in Life: click here.

Mark (1)

You Are Not A Good Person

My wife listens to a podcast every morning by JD Walt called “The Wake-Up Call”.
I have listened alongside her on occasion, and I had the privilege of briefly bumping shoulders with JD at the New Room Conference last year. 

I decided to start listening for myself as I’m on a quest for a bit of a mental and spiritual reset. Too much scrolling on my phone has my dopamine levels all out of whack. The current climate on social media has turned toxic, and so my options are watching people I love argue with each other, or the “brain rot” content that occasionally makes you chuckle, but definitely doesn’t build your soul.

This morning’s episode resonated deeply with me, for a few reasons. I’ll start with the end of the podcast first.  At the end of each episode JD sings a hymn. Today’s hymn was what he called “The Baptist Fight Song” and while growing up in an old fashioned Baptist Church, I’ve never heard that phrase, but before he said the title, I knew he meant “Just As I Am.”

I was driving while listening, and that song broke open my tear ducts. I’m sure I was all over the road this morning, wiping tears from my eyes as I was transported back to my childhood and teenage years, standing up at the end of sermon, listening to Mrs. Florence Sinsabaugh in her finest polyester dress, as she let the foot pedals on the organ swell, and both hands holding out the long chords, while Judy Youngblood accentuated with the piano. Pastor H.D. Youngblood would lead us in singing, waving his hand to keep the time, and between verses, he’d call us home. Rarely did anyone go up to the altar. But with every head bowed, and every eye closed, hands were raised to pledge commitment to Jesus.

We didn’t applaud much in the Baptist Church, but inside out hearts, we were cheering when Pastor would say, “I see that hand, Thank You Lord.”

We’d usually sing verses 1, 2, and 5, and there was usually an instrumental verse in there too.


1.

Just as I am, without one plea,

But that Thy blood was shed for me,

And that Thou bid’st me come to Thee,

O Lamb of God, I come! I come!


2.

Just as I am, and waiting not

To rid my soul of one dark blot;

To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!


3.

Just as I am, though tossed about

With many a conflict, many a doubt;

Fightings within, and fears without,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!


4.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;

Sight, riches, healing of the mind;

Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!


5.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,

Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;

Because Thy promise I believe,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!


6.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown

Has broken every barrier down;

Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come!


And I was reminded of another very personal story, that has echoed deeply in my family lore.
My maternal grandfather was a bad man. The best thing he had ever done was to abandon his family. That may sound like a bad thing, but the truth is, abandoning them was the best thing. I won’t get into telling the story that really belongs to my mother and her siblings. I’ll just say he was a bad man.

Abandoned, my grandmother turned to Jesus, and paved the way for her family. They met Jesus, many of them probably hearing Pastor Youngblood sing Just As I Am, and our family’s direction was changed.

At some point, my grandfather had stumbled into a church, probably drunk. He told the story, “If that preacher would have sang one more verse of Just As I Am, I’d have walked up to that altar.” – But of course he didn’t.

Years later, after leaving a lifetime of pain and struggle in his wake, my grandfather called my grandmother. “Deanie, I’m dying. I have cancer. Would you come out and see me?”

The story I remember is that he was found laying on the ground with a pile of cigarette butts on one side, and a pile of beer cans on the other. The cancer had eaten through most of him, and he was on his way out of this world.

My grandmother went out, and invited the rest of the family.

They didn’t go because they wanted to be with him. They went because they had a mission, to introduce Grandpa Dave to grace. To plead for his soul to be saved.

They preached the gospel, sang songs, and Uncle Mike started playing Just As I Am. When he got to the end of the song, the old man said, “Keep playing.” Grandpa Dave prayed, probably for the first time in his life. He asked for forgiveness for his sins. And in the remaining few days of his life, there was a change. Tiny fruits of the Spirit growing in the small window he had left.

Just as he was. Without a plea, except that Jesus’ blood was shed for him.

————–

The podcast episode was centered around this thought.
A woman told JD in conversation, “I don’t want you to think I’m not a good person.”

JD’s response, “You’re not a good person. And I’m not a good person.”

This truth is one we need to grasp fully. 

I see it echoed on the social media feed that I’m trying to ignore right now.

Virtue signalling.

Folks pointing fingers at the “evil” they see on the other side.

“Those folks are violating what the Bible clearly commands!”

“Those folks are bigots and hypocrites!”

With the inference that “I’m better.”

We post things on the internet, and say things in conversation because we want others to think we are good people.

“I’m a good person. I don’t condone sin.”
“I’m a good person. I hate racism.”
“I’m a good person. I love America.”
“I’m a good person. I challenge broken systems!”

“I’m a good person. I want justice!”
“I’m a good person. I stand with So and So!”

Don’t get me wrong, a lot of these might be good things, to stand up for the oppressed, to long for justice, to support your country, to stand for truth and righteousness.

But the thing is, none of us are good people.

That’s what’s so hard for people to accept. That’s what’s so scandalous about the gospel.

We don’t earn right standing with God by your good deeds.

We don’t deserve to be seen as heroes and martyrs and virtuous.

When Jesus delivered the sermon on the mount, and he said this:

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone,you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot,[e] you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone,[f] you are in danger of the fires of hell.”
-Matthew 5

I’d encourage you to read that whole passage. If I paraphrase what he’s saying,, “You guys are missing the point. In order to earn God’s favor, you have to be better than the commands. The commands say ‘Don’t murder.’ But if you hate someone in your heart or call them an idiot, you’re just as bad. If you lust after a woman, it’s just as bad as having sex with her.”

He’s making a point and establishing his authority, and emphasizng that all of us are not good people.

Paul reiterates it:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” – Romans 3:23

This is the beauty of it.

He paid the cost for us.

“He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” – 1 John 2:2

We aren’t good people. We are all sinners, and all of us are short of God’s expectations. And even if we kept the commandments in practice, we’d break them in our hearts. 

But thank God!

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”  –Romans 5:8

He meets us just as we are, and He makes up for what we lack, so that we can be right with him.

Sometimes, we who He has redeemed forget where we came from. We forget that we’re only right with God because of what Jesus did. We’re not good people. We’re His people. He paid for us. He bought us with His suffering on the cross.

Anything good in us is because God put it there. Even before we knew Him, the good in us was the reflection of His image in us, because He made us. And now that we have surrendered to Him, the good is not because of us. It’s because of Him.

Let us never forget that.

written by

Josh Hatcher

Josh Hatcher is the Communications Director at Open Arms Community Church. He is married to Pastor Zoe Hatcher, and leads the Tribe of Lions Microchurch for men. He also is the founder of Manlihood.com
what are you chasing?

The Way: Who or What Are You Really Following?

At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, we recently celebrated 28 new lives in Christ through baptism. Baptism is a powerful step of faith—but it’s also a starting line, not the finish. The real question is: Now what?

That’s where our new series, Do As I Do, begins. Jesus never said, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Instead, He invited us to actually live the way He lived.

What Are You Following Right Now?

Whether we admit it or not, we’re all following something.

  • Culture and its shifting opinions 📺
  • Family and friends’ expectations 👪
  • Money and success 💼
  • Our own version of the “American dream” 🏡

But can these things really satisfy? Jesus said:

Matthew 6:24 (NIV)

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

In other words, you can’t follow both. At some point, you’ll have to decide which path you’re really on.

What Did Jesus Actually Invite People Into?

In the first century, rabbis (teachers) never pursued students. Students had to beg to follow a rabbi, like applying to an Ivy League school.

But Jesus flipped the script. He went out of His way to call people personally:

Mark 1:16–20 (NIV)

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.
20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Mark 2:13–15 (NIV)

13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them.
14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.
15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

Notice—He didn’t invite them to “become Christians” (that word came later). He invited them to apprentice under Him—to learn a whole new way of living.

What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus Today?

Pastor Zoe laid out three rhythms for what it really looks like:

  1. Be with Jesus
  2. Become like Jesus
  3. Do what Jesus did

This isn’t a program or a checklist. It’s a way of life. Spend time with Him, let that time transform you, and then live differently because of it.

How Do I Actually Spend Time With God?

Being with Jesus starts with simple, practical steps:

  • Prayer: Talking and listening.
  • Abiding (meno in Greek means “stay”): Staying close to Him, like a loyal friend or even a lapdog at your feet.
  • Contemplation: Fixing your thoughts and emotions on Him. Making Him your true home.

An old peasant once described his prayer this way: “I look at Him, He looks at me, and we are happy.” That kind of relationship is what Jesus invites you into.

How Do I Become More Like Jesus?

Being with Him naturally leads to becoming like Him. That happens through:

  • Teaching: Reading Scripture, hearing preaching, listening for God’s voice.
  • Practice: Engaging in rhythms like Sabbath, prayer, fasting, solitude, generosity, and service.
  • Community: Real transformation happens with others, not in isolation. God Himself exists in community (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).

And there’s one clear test: Am I becoming more loving? Ask yourself—and even better, ask the people around you. If love is growing, you’re on the right track.

Why Does Following Jesus Involve Struggle?

Becoming like Jesus is not instant—it takes time, surrender, and yes, even suffering.

Matthew 10:24–25 (NLT)

24 Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.
25 Students are to be like their teacher, and slaves are to be like their master. And since I, the master of the household, have been called the prince of demons, the members of my household will be called by even worse names!

Matthew 10:24–25 (MSG)

A student doesn’t get a better desk than her teacher. A laborer doesn’t make more money than his boss. Be content—pleased, even—when you, my students, my harvest hands, get the same treatment I get. If they call me, the Master, ‘Dungface,’ what can the workers expect?

If Jesus suffered, why would we think we get out of it? Hardship is often where real growth happens.

But here’s the encouragement: change doesn’t come from our willpower—it comes from surrender to the Holy Spirit.

What’s More Important: My Resume or My Legacy?

When life is over, people won’t remember us for our accomplishments as much as how we loved them. Are you living for your résumé, or your eulogy?

Funerals remind us of this truth: people share stories not of achievements, but of kindness, love, and presence. That’s what lasts.

What Did Jesus Actually Do?

We don’t just be with Him and become like Him for ourselves—we do it so we can do what He did.

  • Hospitality: Making people feel welcome.
  • Preaching the Gospel: Sharing good news with our words.
  • Demonstrating the Gospel: Showing God’s love through miracles, healing, justice, and compassion.

The end goal? To grow into the kind of person who can say and do the things Jesus said and did.

Am I Ready to Follow Jesus?

Following Jesus isn’t about trying harder—it’s about training with Him as your coach. Like preparing for a 10K, it takes small steps, consistency, and daily commitment.

As St. Augustine said: “Without God, we cannot. Without us, God will not.”

The same Spirit who empowered Jesus is available to empower you today. But discipleship means counting the cost:

Luke 14:25–33 (MSG)

One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can’t be my disciple. … Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple.”

It sounds harsh, but Jesus is honest: following Him means leaving behind competing loves. Are you ready?

What Do You Really Want?

In John’s gospel, Jesus asked a life-changing question:

John 1:35–39 (NIV)

35 The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.
36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”
37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.
38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”
39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

Jesus still asks the same today: What do you want?

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve been chasing culture, money, or success and still feel empty, Jesus is inviting you into a better way.

➡️ You can watch this full message on our Open Arms YouTube channel.
🙌 Or better yet, join us in person Sunday mornings at 71 Congress Street in Bradford, PA. Find service times and plan your visit here.

At Open Arms Community Church in Bradford, PA, you’ll find a community where hope, healing, and purpose are waiting for you.

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