“He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.” (Hebrews 5:2)
G’Day Open Road,
The title of our email newsletter last week was "How much like Jesus would you like to become?" Today were asking that question again but from a different perspective!
Isn’t it great that we have a God who says he can “deal gently with the ignorant and wayward”!? How good would it be if we could be like that?
As a parent I often think that I need to be patient with my children. However, that insight is merely an insight into a greater reality of my own ignorance and tendency to be wayward in many ways.
This week, if you’ve been seeing someone in your life as “ignorant and wayward”, ask God to give you the heart, mind and mouth of Jesus that you might be gentle with them as he is with you and I. After all, if we cannot reveal Jesus to others, how will they know that he is the way, the truth and life for all who seek him!?
Dan
You get a shoutout in Hebrews
I’m encouraged to have had a number of people share with me how much they are enjoying Hebrews! One of the passages coming up towards the end of Hebrews is in chapter 10 verse 25:
“...Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This is a favourite like many pastors because we like to encourage people to come to church :) However, the main point is not attending church. Rather, the point is that attending church is important because that’s where we encourage each other in our faith - something we ALL need!
I want to encourage you to come each Sunday prepared to encourage someone else.
When we gather from 3-3:30pm and start chatting, you can encourage others simply by connecting, listening to their story, sharing your story or praying with them!
When we “start” around 3:30pm with prayer and/or Good or God you have another opportunity to encourage people with good stories or God stories (answers to prayer, scriptures you’ve read etc).
When we close off with our Come, Holy Spirit prayer we have another time to be led by God’s Holy Spirit to share a prayer, reflection, word, scripture, tongue etc (see 1 Corinthians 14) as spiritual encouragement for the week to come!
So, as you read Hebrews look out for your part to play in God’s family and this week…be gentle with every ignorant and wayward soul God sends you!
If you’re new to Hebrews or the Bible, why not explore the themes via the Bible Projects resources on Hebrews.
Coming Up
October
Sun 20 Oct 3pm Moffat Gathering Sun 27 Oct 3pm Moffat Gathering
November
Sun 3 Nov Worship - CCSA Hall
Sun 10 Nov 3pm Moffat Gathering Wed 13 Nov Prayer Night (Venue TBC - 6:45 pm) Sun 17 Nov 3pm Moffat Gathering & Baptism Sun 24 Nov 3pm Moffat Gathering
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: $11,035
Last month's expenses: $9.138
Balance: $79,432
Giving Kitty Oct-Sep: $5,000
Giving out Oct-Sep: $5,786
"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.
All Prayer Needs!
We are still encouraging each other to start sharing your prayer needs with the church. It’s a practice all Christians have sought to cultivate and one that every single individual and family really needs!
So, please share any needs in your life on the link below so we can pray for and followup with you as time goes by: https://forms.gle/PbQAVjjMLuD4ASmWA
Find more prayer resources and the above prayer link at https://www.openroad.church/prayer/
Good or God
Got a "good story" or a "God story"? Bring it with you on Sunday and share it with others, even with the whole group, if it's brief and encouraging!
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