“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14)
Ahoy Church,
Last Sunday's warning from Jesus to not “covet” possessions from Luke chapter 12 but to seek an eternal perspective on life blends perfectly with the last chapter of Hebrews.
In Hebrews 13 verses 14-16 we are again reminded to have an eternal perspective, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.”
For Christians, this shouldn’t be a surprise. However, what does seem like a contradiction, then following verses provides instructions in seemingly very earthly matters:
“15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
These verses guide us to live in light of eternity by earthly sacrifices of praise:
1) Speaking about God
2) Doing good [to others]
3) Sharing what you have [with others]
This simple guidance provides incredibly wise advice for us and protects us from the harmful belief that, “eternity is all that matters”.
See, when we come to believe that the world is “messed up” and “going to hell in a handbasket” we can easily morph into a small-minded, selfish perspective. We can find ourselves waking up regularly and cynically praying, “Come, Lord Jesus! Get me out of here!”
In light of Jesus and the life he modelled to us and calls us into, this can easily become a selfish mindset.
If we take the author of Hebrews advice, we live in light of eternity by living fully in the present. We acknowledge God - preferably audibly, out loud - and his presence with us and before us in heaven. Secondly, we realise that God has authority over lives not just in the future but in the present! He has called us to signal our eternal security with him, not by sitting idly by, but by busying ourselves with a life of love and sacrifice to others. This models and magnifies Jesus’ life in the hearts and lives of those around us.
Far from isolating or insulating ourselves from others and the world around us, living in light of eternity calls us into the world and hte lives of those Jesus is still calling to himself.
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If you are keen to “do good to others” in the very near future, please read below about a cause Makenzie has felt drawn to of late that supports new mums in challenging circumstances.
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!
Esther’s Australia - Gala Dinner for New Mums + their babies
Makenzie (mum of 3, married to Rhys) has been keen to connect with and support local mums in need of support. Below she shares her experience and is wondering if any other mums are keen to join her at this Gala Event, or learn how we can support local mums in need of support!
After having my first baby I found out just how grueling motherhood can be physically and mentally, and ever since mothers who don't have any support have been on my heart. Esthers Australia is a Christian-run organisation that supports pregnant mothers who are in very difficult situations such as homelessness, abuse, disability or other reasons that put them at risk of not being able to care for their new babies. They pay for mothers to have counselling, support them with parenting education and help them access available resources. As someone who values life, I believe in the necessity of practical help for any mothers who are in difficult circumstances, so I think Esthers is an extremely important cause.
Gala Dinner - Sat 9th Nov
If you’re keen to connect with Makenzie on this topic, or join her at their Gala Dinner on Sat 9th, Nov, just chat to her directly or hit REPLY now and I’ll put you in contact with her!
Coming Up
October
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: $80,388
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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