Dear Church of the Open Bible,
My kids want to grow. One wants to grow physically, to get taller. Another wants to grow in responsibility, to stay up later (like his older siblings). Each of them wants to grow in particular knowledge (e.g., grade 10 mathematics) or particular skill (e.g., hitting the top-left corner of the net in hockey). Many of them want to grow in serving, like doing the slides during service at church or helping in various ministries. And, while sometimes their desire outpaces their readiness for many of these, I need to do a better job of acknowledging and encouraging that desire to grow.
When Paul thanks God for the growth of the gospel in his letter to the Colossians, he describes that growth in two areas.
Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth… Colossians 1:5–6
By God’s power, His word of truth, the gospel, bears fruit and increases around the whole world. Praise God! But where else is this gospel growth occurring? “...as it also does among you…” How concerned are you about growing, about growing in the gospel? Do you have a desire to grow in “the word of truth?” How are you pursuing that in this season? I think I can take notes from my kids in their desire to grow, to learn, to develop.
One of the ways we want to equip you for growth in the gospel is through a fall small group study called “The Course of Your Life.” This is a study that challenges what the gospel means for how we live our lives today. It also provides opportunity to grow in relationship with others as we learn together. Many of our ministries (e.g., Men’s, Women’s, Young Adults) will be running this 10-week study in the fall, so if you’re connected with one of these, that’s great. If you don’t anticipate being involved through these annual ministries, we are happy to provide temporary small groups as needed. Please reply to this email to indicate interest, or sign-up at the back table on Sunday.