Friday 8th April 2022

There are many ways people approach the Easter season. Nominal Christians the world over are confronted with the question “What does Easter mean for me?”.  In the same way unbelievers would look at all the easter paraphernalia like easter eggs, hot cross buns, bottle-shop specials and wonder “Where does the Easter-thing come from?”. Their answers would reveal their relationship to something…or rather someone…in a telling way. Here follows three wrong reasons to celebrate Easter:

• Escapism – the desire to slip away – back in time to reminisce on times you enjoyed with family way back. Escape from this horrible world they live in.
• Sentimentalism – You engage on easter purely for emotional reasons.
• Scepticism – You wonder how a story about a donkey, palm branches and people singing thousands of years ago could possibly have any relevance to today.

When we approach this season as followers of Christ we attach a much deeper meaning to what is busy happening. We know that at the birth of Jesus the whole of the city of Jerusalem was “troubled” as scripture says in the book of Matthew. The next time we read the whole of the city of Jerusalem shares an experience is when Jesus enters Jerusalem on palm Sunday:

'When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” '

Matthew 21:10-11 NIV

The issue was Christ’s identity. I suggest to you this is a relevant issue to this day. Your posture towards Christianity hangs on your opinion on who Jesus Christ is. Your stance towards anything CHRISTian is dictated by how you relate to Christ.

Contrast the crowd in Jerusalem’s definition with that of Peter when he answered the very same question:

'When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. '

Matthew 16:13-17 NIV

Being a prophet and being the Messiah is not in the same league…not even close! How is it that the very same person can be seen so differently? The key is revelation. The word revelation means:

This would be my prayer for you this Easter season. May you receive a revelation of the magnificence of The One we follow in faith, philosophy of life and in festivities. May we be like him who even though he is Christ, he also became servant! May those who love you be pointed to Christ by the way you embrace his servant attitude towards our beautiful city and its inhabitants.

'In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. '

Philippians 2:5-11 NIV

Fuse Youth | Friday 8th April

This week at Fuse Youth is Fear Factor! Get ready for intense challenges, all things gross and prepare your competitive side as we compete in #FearFactor!

Details:

• Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Cost: $5

Kids Church | Palm Sunday

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church…

PREP – GRADE 2 | Palm Sunday

Whatever happens, remember God is still working | John 12:9-16

WONDERKIDS | Our friend Jesus is always with us

Jesus wants to be my friend forever| Matthew 21:1-11, 15-16

Sunday Service | Palm Sunday

Traditionally, Palm Sunday marks the start of the Holy Week which is the week leading up to Easter but why is it important? What is the spiritual significance of Palm Sunday?

Come on Sunday, celebrate with us, and find out!

If you can’t make it Sunday in person, join us online and watch live stream via YouTube or Facebook at 10am.

Forge Young Adults | Sunday 10th April

WELCOME BACK TO Y&Y! Youth and Young Adult Service. Grab some dinner and come back after the service to connect with our Young Adult community.

Details:

• Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

Boys Brigade | Monday 11th April

Be part of the action Monday night. For over 20 years the Boys Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.

ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm

JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm

SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.30pm

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 13th April

Our Seniors Ministry will spend time together in worship and contemplation of Christ’s sacrifice. Pastor Braam will bring an Easter message and we will also share in Communion together.

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
• Bring: please bring a platter for everyone to share

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor