“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26)
Ahoy Church,
One of the challenges we have as a church is that we’ve kept things so simple it’s easy to overlook the simple rhythms God has called us to: Know, Invite + Gather.
In the last couple of months, Martine and I have found ourselves unwittingly distracted by many of the normal things in life - screens, responsibilities, fears, hopes, dreams, bills, health, friendships, family etc.
This has resulted in some of the simple but healthy habits of following Jesus aren’t as healthy as they were a few months ago.
While my default philosophy of, “Personal Spiritual Responsibility”, means that each of us has to make our own choice to follow Jesus intentionally, the truth is we all need encouraging reminders to stay the course!
As Martine and I grow in maturity we are increasingly aware that we’re not the only ones prone to wander as it says in Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
I want to offer you an encouraging reminder that on the other side of simple obedience to Jesus lies the greatest blessing in life.
Taking time to get to know Jesus in the gospel of John this month will lead you to a new understanding and love for our Saviour and friend.
Taking time to invite someone into your life (a call, walk, meal or conversation) can affirm the value of a friend or family member who is feeling isolated.
Scheduling time to join us on Moffat offers you a chance to share how God has been present in your week in a way that will greatly encourage others who need to hear it!
These simple acts - and many others that so many of you choose each day - are a small advance into the ways of Jesus. Each of these small, seemingly simple acts guard against a retreat into our human ways of thinking and living.
What’s at stake is literally the wellbeing of our soul and the fruit that comes from it. Jesus was very clear that every one of us has a choice when it comes to the wellbeing and fruit of our spiritual life. We can choose to advance in the ways of Christ, or we can choose to retreat into the default of our flesh.
This week, I encourage you to embody the words of Christ when he says:
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” - Matthew 16:26
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!
Dan
Thinking of the Grant Family
We want to acknowledge the passing of Kevin and Andrew Grant’s father, Hamish Grant, on Sunday afternoon. He was a great example of faith and love to his family right through to the end. Please pray the family sense’s God’s presence amidst the grief.
Coming Up
September
Sun 22 Sep 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 29 Sep Worship + Communion - Venue TBC
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: $10,330
Last month's expenses: $6,484
Balance: $71,373
Giving Kitty Oct-Jul: $5,000
Giving out Oct-Jul: $4,786
"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.
Your Prayers
Do you have a prayer request? Submit you prayer request to our men's prayer group by either emailing Fred Van Staden directly (fredvanstaden@yahoo.com) or hitting REPLY right now.
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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