“…do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Ahoy Church,
It was fabulous to gather together for the first time in 2025! We had some good sharing, testimonies, spiritual encoruagement, the life-giving words of Jesus and a baptism! That seems to be a pretty good representation of what Christians have been doing for over 2,000 years!
This week we will be looking at one of the more direct teachings of Jesus, and at first reading it might even seem downright RUDE!
However, like all the strange, weird and wonderful verses we find in the Bible, there is something profound and life-giving if we are willing to explore it.
While I’ll share a full message on Sunday, my main encouragement is that God doesn’t want you to be stuck in seasons where you’re being trampled by people. Like the regard a pig shows to a pearl - none! - some people show no regard for you and I whatsoever.
While we are called to be committed in our relationships, especially marriage, when it comes to the people around us, there is no expectation that we have to “kill ourselves with kindness”.
Following Jesus is costly, suffering and sacrifice are a key part of the journey, but ultimately we need to learn to avoid unnecessary mistreatment of ourselves and those around us.
May this year be a year of encouragement, freedom, meaningful relationships, gospel-sharing moments and life-giving joy in Jesus!
Cheers, God Bless and see you Sunday!
Dan
Read Along on Sundays with Us!
If you don’t bring a Bible to church on Sundays, make sure you have a Bible App to read along with us! www.bible.com is the simplest one that many in my family use. Bonus, you can actually LISTEN along to the Bible being read to you while you run/walk/work/workout/cook/clean!
Coming Up
January
Sun 19 Jan 4pm Moffat Gathering Sun 26 Jan 4pm Moffat Gathering
February
Sun 02 Feb Worship Gathering at Maleny
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: $10,658 Last month's expenses: $10,779
Balance: $80,504
Giving Kitty Oct 23- Dec 24: $5,000
Giving out Oct 23-Dec 24: $6,586
"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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