On Sunday, we discussed going deeper, individually and as a church. After the service, someone in the church shared a story that resonated with our discussion. They knew of an Australian cattle rancher with around 1 million acres of land as a ranch. It speaks to the creative ways the herders manage their cattle and the importance of our church community in our individual and collective spiritual growth.
Imagine the monumental task of herding animals across the vast and rugged expanse of the Australian outback, spanning a staggering 1 million acres. The sheer size of this land makes traditional physical fences impractical, if not impossible. Yet, the ranchers have ingeniously overcome this challenge with an innovative and relational approach.
They focus on water sources, not just as a means of sustenance for the cattle but as a tool to foster a unique and profound bond between them and their herds. These water sources are deep wells that capture rain and tap into the water from below the ground. This bond, more than any physical barrier, guides the herd's direction and ensures their thriving.
In Matthew 3:2, we find one of the first things Jesus preaches: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Repent means to 'turn around', essentially changing your mind. We change direction and walk solidly towards Jesus, much like the Australian cattle travelling towards their watering holes and not wandering into the wilderness of the borderless outback.
We believe deeply that the Lord has called us to extend the table of the Kingdom of God to the least, the lost, the near and the far-off. The kingdom of God is not something we are 'in' or 'out' of. As Jesus said, it is something that is at hand and near. Most importantly, it is extended to everybody and can be walked towards. This change of direction means we can journey towards Jesus and encounter His glorious kingdom as we go deeper in our faith.
Jesus calls us to change our direction and move towards the wells and rain catches of substantial faith. We hope to see a direction of travel that moves us ever closer and ever deeper to Jesus.
So, what does going deeper look like for you?
It may be time to cultivate a deeper prayer life.
You may need to go deeper in understanding your faith and theology, and our new theology course is a pathway to explore.
You may often receive prophetic prompting from the Lord, and it's time to be bolder in listening and responding to the Holy Spirit's leading.
We often take simple spiritual practices for granted, but what would the church look like if we all doubled down on our acts of worship, reflection, and prayer?
What might we discover about God and ourselves as we go deeper? What refreshing might come if we travel towards the well and allow the Lord to refill us?
Just as cattle instinctively seek water, people naturally seek Jesus when they recognise their spiritual thirst. As a church, it is for all of us to go deeper with Jesus, but is also the role of the church is to provide access to that living water.
Let's go deeper personally, but let's go deeper together. Deeper in church, deeper in community and deeper in our connection to others, making Jesus the centre well we draw upon.
We’re excited to be starting Vineyard Theological Training at Sutton Vineyard, a brand new series of filmed modules created to help train and equip you in the riches of the Bible and the Kingdom of God. Our first series starts on Tuesday 17th September!
