We are running a fortnightly bible study following our community dinner looking at the exegesis (interpretation) of the bible passages that underpin each of our community values. You can read the list of Values here so you know what’s coming up next.
These values can be relevant whatever context you live and work in just make the Word you own.
Value 2: In it for the long haul
We value being a constant in an inconsistent world, expecting and persevering through hard times. Our long-term commitment allows us to build trust and respect with those in our community, as we try to reflect God’s unconditional love and grace.
Biblical basis: Hebrews 10:36
Let’s read the value together… what words/phrases stand out?
- persevering through hard times…
- constant…
- try to reflect God’s unconditional love…
Read the bible. What words/ideas stand out?
What can we learn from the bible about living the Value: In it for the long haul?
Hebrews 10:19-25; 32-39
19 Therefore, my friends,[g] since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.23 Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
32 But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. 35 Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet
“in a very little while,
the one who is coming will come and will not delay;
38 but my righteous one will live by faith.
My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.”
39 But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost, but among those who have faith and so are saved.
– NRSV
Reflection time… followed by sharing time.
The photos around the walls of this house are a testament to the “long haul” of this community, let’s get up and have a look at these photos…
- what can you see?
- what should we keep doing?
- what keeps you coming back?
- how can we “consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds”
Here are some of the things that have kept us going for the long haul, encourage us when things are tough and inspire us to want to be here in Footscray for another 10 years!
⊕ celebrating people’s’ lives ⊕ birthdays ⊕ people coming and going ⊕ growing up together ⊕ smiling ⊕ gardening ⊕ sharing the hard things ⊕ participating in rites of passage like births, baptisms and marriages ⊕ celebration of big and small things ⊕ grieving together ⊕ serving the community ⊕ cooking ⊕ having fun and being silly together ⊕ focus on the poor ⊕ playing sport ⊕ playing music and singing ⊕ being creative ⊕ having mastery/learning of new skills ⊕ Other people come and go. People are always here. You feel like you are needed. ⊕ different age groups ⊕ sharing food ⊕
As we sat with this, Ash observed that there is a stripping down faith to what’s important that happens in all of this… what is that?
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