Ahoy Open Road,
I've got an important announcement to share below but first...on Sunday I had the joy of praying over a young man whose family had planned an initiation/coming of age weekend for him.
Along with other trusted men, I was able to pray the following Scripture over him:
"14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19
Firstly, you'll see that it's one of the scriptures from the Bible where God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all not only mentioned, but working together.
Secondly, they are working together for not just God's glory but our good! As Father, God loves having us in his family. As Spirit, God loves to empower us in our inner being. As Son (Jesus Christ), he seeks to dwell within us in such a way that we know his love and are filled with God's fullness.
What would it look like for each of us to sense Jesus' presence in us? What might change in our thoughts, mood and schedule if we knew God loves us and the fullness of God (whatever that means!) was knowingly present within us.
This is the future for anyone of faith. Not human perfection, but God's perfect presence dwelling in us, just like we've been designed.
If you're feeling isolated, weak or far from Christ's love I encourage you to read and meditate (think over) this verse. Ask God to bring this reality into your life. As Ephesians says, this comes not by trying harder or "being better", but simply through faith.
Cheers and God Bless
Dan
No Worship NEXT WEEK: BBQ + Chat time
Next Sunday is the FIRST Sunday of the Month. Normally, we do prayer, worship, communion and a meal together.
However, I'd love us to gather as usual on the beach for a BBQ and a time together to discuss how we as a church can be intentionally, strategically generous to those around us. I'm excited, because if take Jesus and his first followers seriously, this is an important part of learning to follow him together.
So come ready for a BBQ from 3pm, we'll do snags and bread, bring anything else you may need. Afterwards, I'll briefly share and then we will discuss together how to begin not just giving as a church, but becoming increasingly generous people.
What does, "Do not Judge" mean?
Last week Merrick mentioned a link to an article that helped him better understand what the Bible meant when it says, "Do not judge". It sounds good, but life requires to use our "judgement" every day! So, what's the deal?
Here's the link Merrick wanted to share: https://www.gotquestions.org/do-not-judge.html
Ephesians!
For those who are reading along with Ephesians this month, stick with it! If you haven't read through it once, pickup wherever you finished. If you have read it already, why not read it again asking God to show you things you "missed" last time?
If God has spoken, why not share with us this Sunday?!
Coming Up
Sun 24 Sep 3pm Moffat Gathering
Get ahead-of-the-game
Sun 01 Oct 3pm BBQ at Moffat with some updates
Sat 7-8 Oct Camping overnight! Day visitors welcome
Sun 08 Oct 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 15 Oct 3pm Moffat Gathering + Baptism
Sun 22 Oct 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 29 Oct 3pm Moffat Gathering
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus
Our Rhythms
Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you bless this week?
Gather and get involved: How can you connect, listen, share or pray with others this week?
Our Giving
If there is someone in need around you we'd encourage you to team up with another Christian friend and ask God to show you how to meet their need directly. You can also get started with giving to Open Road to meet needs as a church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
Last months giving: $6,493
Last months expenses: $5,502
Balance: $19,597
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
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