In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ - Acts 20:35
Ahoy Followers!
This Sunday instead of our normal monthly worship gathering we are meeting on the beach for a BBQ and time to discuss and pray about our heart to be generous to those in need around us.
In the verse above, it seems that the goal is that we “work hard” to put ourselves into a position to be generous to those in need ("the weak").
As a church, we have a very small group that is currently meeting our church's financial needs adequately (thank you!). However, on Sunday I'm going to share a simple strategy for all of us to "work hard" so we can move beyond just meeting our own church needs to meeting the needs of those around us.
A Picture of Generosity: Acts 2:42-47
“42 And they [the first Christians] devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
To say that the first Christians lived out a 'radical' generosity would be an understatement. However far behind them we may feel, their example reveals that God isn't calling us to simply open our wallets. Rather, we see that their generosity flowed from their devotion to God and each other (Acts 2:42). In other words, we're not called to simply "tick the box" of transferring funds to other people, but to discover a deeper connection with God and each other that leads to a generous heart towards those around us. This is one of the reasons we always encourage each other to, "invite people into your life".
So, aside from continuing to encourage each other to live out our rhythms of following Jesus (know, invite, gather), we are proposing a three month trial that would see us begin a wonderful new season of meeting real needs of real people that God has placed us amongst.
Proposed 3 month Trial
Firstly, on Sunday we will discuss and pray about a simple three month trial (no long term commitments etc) that starts by creating a "Giving Kitty" which we can begin drawing on immediately to meet some real needs we are aware of. We have two needs to recommend meeting, but we will conclude with prayer, asking God to bring to mind any other needs that we can fulfil.
Secondly, I'll share another simple strategy, the $100 Project, that encourages and empowers us to work together to meet smaller, tangible needs in the lives of those around us. This could include buying ingredients to make a meal for a neighbour, groceries for someone who is doing it tough, or a new pair of shoes for a local child whose parent(s) can't afford them.
I'm confident that as we pray and act, we will be surprised at both the needs and opportunities around us. As a church, our goal is not simply to gather together each week, but that each week we are encouraged that we are willing to go!
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Hebrews 13:16
No matter how much or little you feel you have, I hope our time on Sunday encourage us all to courageously head into our week "doing good" and "sharing with others" in new ways!
God, may you bless us as we seek to live a life of loving obedience to you,
Dan
Simple BBQ this Sunday from 3-330pm!
We'll bring some snags and bread, bring something small + sweet to share if you can.
Walkervale Church Plant
A couple of months ago, Chris and Emma Poulsen visited from Bundaberg. They are long-time friends of Martine and I and, like us, are in the midst of an unplanned church plant that started in a park!
They now also do a bible study on Monday nights in their home for neighbourhood families (see below) and are two months into planting a new church (Christianese for "starting a new church") they call "Chip Church" on Sunday mornings.
I'll give another update on Sunday as I'm going to suggest we provide a one-off financial donation to support the pioneering work they are doing in Walkervale with a particularly precious group of people.
Coming Up
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 + Joe's 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: $19,391
"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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