“And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. For the Lord will not forsake his people, for his great name's sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you a people for himself.” (1 Samuel 12:20-24)
Ahoy Open Roaders,
On Sunday I invited all of you to not just read 1st Samuel in November, but to do it with a friend - a Scripture Sister or Bible Bro (cheesy, I know!). This is not simply a cute idea or a shortcut to make a new friend. Rather, it’s encouraging one of the most valuable spiritual disciplines Christians have discovered - reading the Bible for yourself.
REVEAL Study
In 2004, a three-year study sought to explore if there were any keys to spiritual growth. Two of the key discoveries were: (a) Church activities do not predict or drive long-term spiritual growth and (b) Nothing has greater impact on spiritual growth than reflection on Scripture.
Church and Spiritual Maturity
Church activities have a greater impact upon people in their early stages of faith. However, attendance in church ministries has no determining impact on developing a mature faith. Rather, personal spiritual practices are what sees a fresh faith develop into a fruitful, mature faith.
Scripture and Spiritual Maturity
While there are many personal spiritual disciplines that can grow the faith of a Jesus-follower (prayer, fasting etc), the number one practice that benefits people at all levels of spiritual maturity is clear. Reading the Bible and reflecting on its meaning in our lives is the most effective practice for followers of Jesus to develop a strong and mature faith!
The Power of 4!
A study by The Centre for Bible Engagement focused on Bible engagement and discovered that how often we read the Bible also had a huge impact on our personal spiritual maturity! While many Christians attend church and encounter the Bible casually during a week, it wasn’t until someone chose to intentionally read the Bible four or more times themselves that spiritual transformation became exponential!
Compared to those who read the Bible casually or infrequently, those who read four or more times in a week experienced radical change, including:
● 228% more likely to share their faith with others
● 407% more likely to memorize Scripture
● 59% less likely to view pornography
● 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness
● 57% drop in alcoholism
● 74% less likely to gamble
● 68% less likely to have sex outside of marriage
● And much more!
Whether or not these impacts sound appealing to you or not (I hope it does!), what’s clear is that regularly reading the Bible is transformative!
Everything’s Better Together // Scripture Sisters + Bible Bro’s
While learning to do this yourself will lead you to a life of spiritual growth - I’m going to ask you to invite someone to read along with you. Why?
Firstly, habits are easy to start but challenging to continue! This habit is one I want all of us to stick with!
Secondly, following Jesus is a journey best done together! Jesus did life with others and called us to do the same. You may even surprise yourself and play a huge role in encouraging someone else as you read the Bible daily together.
So, I’m asking two things of you:
- Decide to read 1st Samuel with us this month - a chapter a day is fine.
- Go crazy and ask someone to read along with you. Check-in each day/week about what you’re learning.
- BONUS: Share with myself or someone else at church how it goes and how God grows you!
If you don’t have a Bible we can give you one. If you prefer to listen, download the Bible App at www.bible.com If you are keen to learn about 1st Samuel, what this video summary!
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!
Dan
P.S. Our AGM is coming upon Sunday 1st of Dec after our worship gathering. If you’re a part of our church at all, we’d love you to come!
Baptisms at Walkervale Church Plant
Many of you may remember meeting and hearing updates from Chris + Emma Poulsen from Walkervale Church (Bundaberg). We affectionately called their church “chip church”, because it all started with their neighbourhood sharing chips in their local park!
They’ve since launched weekly services in a local hall, have seen many come to faith and two weeks ago they celebrated FIVE baptisms!
Please continue to pray for Chris + Emma and their church as they pioneer in a neighbourhood and demographic that no one has been able to reach in recent years!
Coming Up
November
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
December
Sun 1 Dec 4pm Worship (Stories, Communion, Xmas Party - TBC)
Sun 8 Dec 4pm Moffat Gathering Sun 15 Dec 4pm Moffat Gathering & Baptism Sun 22 Dec 4pm Moffat Gathering Wed 25 Nov 4pm Moffat Gathering Sun 29 Dec 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
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: $15,966 Last month's expenses: $8,303
Balance: $76,691
Giving Kitty Oct 23- Oct 24: $5,000
Giving out Oct 23-Oct 24: $6,286
"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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