The Pharisees were a particular group of religious leaders in Jesus’ day who were intent on making all religious activity happen according to their efforts. It was their often-flawed interpretation of God’s laws which allowed the Pharisees to place much emphasis on outward appearance rather than right living before God and others.
Many of the laws God had given for their right living had been reduced to a mere checklist of do’s and don’ts. The Pharisees delighted to impress others with their giving, praying and fasting, among other things. But Jesus was not impressed. He said:
Matthew 6:1
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Jesus’ statement is clear to those who do things out of hypocrisy, “you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” On the other hand, those who practice righteousness out of a right heart motive may expect to be rewarded by God.
Matthew 6:3,4 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
We cannot read Jesus’ words without realizing He is speaking to us, as well as to the Pharisees. How many times do we practice righteousness hoping that someone notices? How many times do we do good works hoping that God will take notice so He can reward us? God does take notice; He knows our heart’s response to Him. If we practice righteousness deeds out of a heart overflowing with thanks and praise to Him, we will not have to worry about any reward. God sees and rewards!
Is it possible to practice our righteousness without caring whether people see or not? It seems to be impossible! But with God’s Holy Spirit living inside us the impossible becomes our normal way of living.
That’s the way to experience life - real life!
Event at Nambour Christian College
Go along to a lecture on Philosophy, Science and Spirituality - Searching for truth, goodness and beauty in the 21st century.
In this interactive lecture, visiting Oxford academic and speaker, Sara Stevenson, will be sharing her research into the modern world's immersion in a wide variety of paths in the search for truth and Wholeness.
Date - Thursday 29th August 2024 from 6:45-8:15pm
Location - NewLife Church Nambour at 4 McKenzie Road, Wombs
Living in the Word
We're working through the book of Proverbs during this month. Here's a useful overview. Follow along and find a deeper connection with Jesus.
Coming Up
August
Sun 25 Aug 3pm Moffat Gathering
Upcoming
Sun 01 Sep Worship Night: Stories, Communion + Meal - Venue TBC
Sun 29 Sep Worship + Communion - Venue TBC
Sun 03 Nov Worship + Communion - Venue TBC
Wed 13 Nov Prayer Night - 646pm
Sun 01 Dec Worship Night: Stories, Communion + Christmas Pary
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: $19,803
Last month's expenses: $7,435
Balance: $67,129
Giving Kitty Oct-Jul: $5,000
Giving out Oct-Jul: $4,680
"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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