A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the story of the Prodigal Son. I shared in passing that it could also be named the story of the Prodigal Father.
In his wonderful, and wonderfully short, book The Prodigal God, pastor and author Timothy Keller encourages us to consider the meaning of the world, “prodigal”.
The dictionary definition of “prodigal” does not mean “wayward”, but rather “recklessly spendthrift.” (Miriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Tim summarises this definition as, “To spend until you have nothing left”. In this regard, the prodigal son really did spend until he had nothing left. But likewise, the father was “reckless” (at least in the eyes of the people of the day) with his generosity, welcome and celebration towards his wayward son.
As Tim Keller notes in the introduction to his book:
“In this story, the father represents the Heavenly Father Jesus knew so well. St. Paul writes: ‘God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses” (2 Corinthians 5:19-American Standard Version). Jesus is showing us the God of Great Expenditure, who is nothing if not prodigal toward us, his children. God’s reckless grace is our greatest hope, a life-changing experience, and the subject of this book.”
If you’re wondering if God can forgive a wayward soul like you, be assured that his grace, forgiveness and love are countercultural, counter-intuitive and, in the eyes of sinners, “reckless”.
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Totally related, exciting news is that in the next few weeks three people (and literally while I have been writing this, three more of my own children!) have asked to be baptised!
If you have chosen to put your faith in Jesus and follow him, then you are most welcome to get baptised!
If you want more info on what that looks like, or what it means to be baptised, please check out my short video and written explanation of baptism!
The page also lists a short, simple explanation of Jesus' "gospel" message. If you struggle to understand some of the basics of the Christian faith, watch this video!
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!
Dan
P.S. as you will see below, our Giving Kitty has hit our $5,000 target. PLEASE pray and follow-up as God leads us to meet the needs of those around us.
Coming Up
February
Sun 11 Feb 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 18 Feb 4pm Moffat Gathering - 2+ Baptisms happening!
Sun 25 Feb 4pm Moffat Gathering
March
Sun 03 Mar 4pm Maleny Worship Gathering: 209 Burgum Rd, North Maleny
Sun 10 Mar 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 17 Mar 4pm Moffat Gathering - Baptisms anyone?
Sun 24 Mar 4pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 31 Mar 4pm 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
Our giving kitty target of $5,000 has been reached! 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: $12,192
Last month's expenses: $6,579
Balance: $29,763
Giving Kitty Oct-Jan: $5,000
Giving out Oct-Jan: $1,190
"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 with giving to Open Road to meet needs as a church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
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