“35 You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.”
- Jesus in John 4:35
G'Day Open Road!
Firstly, join us for a simple BBQ from 3pm this Sunday at CityLife before we worship from 330pm!
There is a great deal of wisdom in the Bible about living wisely to prepare for the future. But in John 4:35, Jesus says that, like a farmer, there are seasons to plant "seeds of faith" that grow within people and then seasons to actually harvest the faith that is produced.
We seem to be in one of those seasons. Seemingly, all-of-a-sudden, people from a variety of backgrounds are very open to, interested in and acting on faith in Jesus.
Whether or not you've been "planting" seeds of faith in the lives of those around you, more people seem to be ripe for faith this year than in previous years.
The good news is that we don't need to look back in guilt about what we think we should have been doing or sharing in the past. Rather, we can look up and see where, and in whom, God's growing faith right now.
As the title of this email implies, to do this we need to shift our thinking. While it may be tempting to limit the expression of our faith to our Sunday gatherings in buildings or on the beach, Jesus made it clear in his teaching and example that faith usually grows out in the fields, not simply in temperature-controlled hydroponic factories, modern-day "barns". Jesus calls us to look beyond what's happening in our "barns" (our churches), to what God's doing in the lives of those in the "fields" around us (Caloundra and beyond).
So, if we're willing to step into the "harvest", how do we do start?
You could join the harvest by sharing Jesus with people or offering to pray for them in your week (I've started doing this more intentionally)? It could be heading out on a mission trip or signing up for a project or program that lovingly ministers to those in need (love all of this)?
However, it could be something more 'ordinary' simpler.
Our three rhythms - Know, Invite, Gather - are designed to keep us not only rooted in a life of love for Jesus (KNOW) and actively participating in an encouraging church family (GATHER), but also by courageously opening up our lives to others (INVITE).
Especially if you don't seen yourself as the "missionary type", be encouraged that you can join in Jesus' harvest by simply inviting someone into your life.
If you have a home and are willing to share it, why not invite someone to share a meal, playdate, bbq or swim at your place?
If you have a Bible study or similar in your home, why not gently offer an invite?
If you gather on Sundays, why note invite someone to join you this Sunday?
If you exercise, eat or watch movies, why not invite someone along?
It's more likely than not that you have people around you who having a growing appetite for relationship with Jesus.
Not sure who to invite? Start with people you know or love from church. We have plenty of people with us each week who are new to hearing about Jesus. As we heard on Sunday, your invite communicates God's uncomplicated love for them. However, growing a friendshing with a long-term Christian you sit with on Sunday may also be part of living a life of "harvest". Not only is it a beautiful way to practice loving others, but it may also be what they need to be nourish themselves! In short, it's not up to us to determine who God's working in, but to believe that he is working and somehow chooses to use our bbqs, playdates, movie nights and backyards to make it happen.
After all, it's this life of practically, actually, loving others is the life Jesus said would broadcast God's love to the world around us. While we need traditional missionaries to open up new nations and tribes to Jesus, the bulk of the work to be done is shining God's light and love in our homes and communities.
My favourites stories right now are ones where someone in our church has reached out to, warmly included, or welcomly invited people from Sundays into their lives. It could be playing footy in the park on Sunday arvo or catching up midweek.
These seemingly small invites are powerful because they are uncommon. In our culture, we are starved for loving, no-strings-attached relational connection, and you are positioned to offer it.
These seemingly small invites are powerful because they are uncommon
What about me (Dan)? I'm going to offer to pray for as many people as I can. Lately I've been holding back. As I ask myself, "Why hold back?", I've realised that if Jesus was correct about the "harvest" being ripe and ready (he was!) then it's all upside, with no downside.
Much love and see you Sunday for worship at City Life, 7 Gregson Place, City Life. We'll gather from 3pm and sing from 330. We'll have the aircon cranking :)
Dan
Coming Up
October
Mondays - Emotionally Healthy Relationships, Kings Beach - Katie 0412 500 940
Mondays - Young Adults - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Thursdays - Dads Coffee, Bible + Prayer - Dan 0402 301 568
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sundays - Home Church - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
November
Mondays - Emotionally Healthy Relationships, Kings Beach - Katie 0412 500 940
Mondays - Young Adults - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Thursdays - Dads Coffee, Bible + Prayer - Dan 0402 301 568
Fridays - 6am Men's Prayer - Fred 0431 437 080
Sundays - Home Church - Marcello + Mariela 0428 986 423
Sun 02 - 3pm Monthly Worship Gathering at City Life Baptist
Sun 09 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Sun 16 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats + Baptisms
Sun 23 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Sun 30 - 3pm Beach Gathering at Moffats
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus.
Our Rhythms
Get to Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you intentionally open up your life to?
Gather and get involved: who can you connect, listen, share or pray with this weekend?
Our Giving
We are slowly being led to needs for our giving kitty! Please take time to ask God if there is someone in need around you whom God wants you/us to help!
Last month's giving: $10,566
Last month's expenses: $11,243
Balance: $80,178
Giving in : Oct 23-Sep 25: $5000
Giving out : Oct 23-Sep 25: $14.482
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
If you would like to support what we are doing and our giving to those in need, you can get started giving to Open Road to meet the needs of our church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
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