A Word For These Times

A Word For These Times

Good afternoon church!

'But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.”'
Hebrews 12:22,26-29 NIV

There is a Jewish proverb that states “When man starts to plan…God starts to laugh!” It may seem very cynical, but there is definitely an element of truth in the fact that mankind’s capacity to address the brokenness, sin and pain in this world falls short of the mark. Rather than making plans and asking God to then “bless it”, I have discovered that joining God’s plan is a sure way to be blessed! Then your life will improve through the “shaking” and not be destroyed by it.

As we navigate our lives through the Covid Pandemic we discover aspects of our lives that are also put through the test/shaking that is happening. I firmly believe the shaking referred to in the scripture mentioned above is not only reserved for the climactic event in the end times, but also during the end times (between our Lord’s Ascension and Return). The shaking does have a definite purpose- so that what cannot be shaken may remain.

How do we stay steady while we go through these “shaking” seasons? I believe the answer is given in verse 29:

  • Receive(ing) a Kingdom that cannot be shaken. Focus on establishing His Kingdom. Be His Presence in Every Place is how we say it at BCOC.
  • Be thankful and be specific about it! 2020 is probably the year where many people set for themselves the highest of expectations…but ended up with a reality check on what we so easily take for granted!
  • Worship God with reverence and awe! Appreciate where your abilities end and God’s abilities start. Develop a fresh appreciation for our need of God’s Kingdom in all areas of life.

Exodus… the road out!

As we see the Covid-19 average number of infections reach the goals set we would like to guide you towards being prepared to live in a better way in the “new normal”. It’s very much the process God took Israel through to prepare them for the Promised Land. This coming weekend I will relate your experience as someone called by God for a season like this at the hand of Moses’ life. Please invite people to join us for this message. We will follow this message up with a six-week journey with Israel towards the Promised Land and revisit critical principles to well prepare you for God’s plans for your life. Watch and share the trailer.
If you would like a regular email reminder to help navigate to the YouTube online service then contact the church and we will arrange this for you.

Online recording buy-in: “The Word and I"

Many people have shared with me how the scriptures gave them hope in the past season. I would love for you to share it with us on our Online messages. This can be done so easily! All you need is a smartphone to record the reading of the scripture (done by you) after you explained when and why this scripture has meant so much to you. Please contact Michelle Jankovic in order to discuss how you get it from your smartphone to our editing office. Email: [email protected]

Just another reminder of the Roadmap factors

There is still so many variables playing into the process of determining the pace and scale of our reopening for services. If you haven’t read the last two week’s newsletters, please do so before progressing further with this one. It will help you manage expectations.

We have many discussions about this and I would like to highlight four factors that will determine our pace and scale of opening up:

  1. Covid safety – We would want to have complete confidence in our Covid-safe plan that relates to the unique nature of our gatherings and premises.

  2. Serving capacity – A church is a place wherein everyone has a part to play and we will assess which services we can deliver at which level (e.g. Kids Ministry, Worship Team, Welcome Team etc.) This will determine the size and nature of our gatherings.

  3. Level of restrictions – We will at all times adhere to what government guidelines expect of us. We are guided well by CCVT (Churches of Christ Victoria and Tasmania) in this regard.

  4. Group size dynamics – The bigger a group of people gathering the more diverse its needs and the more complex set of solutions it needs. We love solving these problems…but not at the cost of your spiritual, mental, physical and social well-being. Therefore, this will also play a role.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have the need to speak to me.
 
We miss you and can’t wait to see you again!

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor

Being His Presence In Every Place