God’s Promised land and the men of our land

Friday 2nd September 2022

Canaan has been a symbol for the place where God’s people fulfill their full creative purpose and enjoy the promises of God over their lives. As we approach Father’s Day we look forward to a Sunday where we bring alignment toward the great commission God has for all people. In this blog I want to reference the unique opportunity we as Christ-following men have in the current cultural context we find ourselves in.

The current narrative in our culture has become that humans can subjectively choose their identity by defining their identity through the following views

The Materialist view – I am but biology…nothing more…nothing less
The Darwinist view – man is but an evolved animal and the fittest will survive
The Consumerist view – I am defined by what and how much I own
The Spiritualist view – Only my unique expression of spirituality matters
The Digitalist – My digital presentation of myself is as valid as reality
The Sexualist view – Sexuality is the prime currency by which I define myself

As Christians we we have stepped out of the race to find our identity through these horizontal, culturally constructed mechanisms. We carry a revelation that our identity is found in a vertical reference in honor of our creator:

'Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” '

Genesis 1:26-28 NIV

Through sin and its damning effect on culture we are constantly being pressured to adopt the flow of decay in the world. However, the gospel of the Kingdom of God repositions us into the order God has restored through Jesus Christ in our lives:

'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.'

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 NIV

As men and women, we now can be discipled: taught our new identity in Christ which will position us to express our identity and fulfill God’s perfect promise over our lives! Listen how beautifully Paul the Apostle counsels the church in Rome on this:

'Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. '

Romans 12:2 NIV

Baptism celebration | Highlights

Last Sunday, we had the privilege of witnessing the baptisms of Chris, Vanessa and Marli last Sunday. They all experienced the goodness of God in their lives and were baptised by full immersion just like Jesus did. As a church, we want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Perhaps, you want to follow Jesus and are contemplating if baptism is the next step for you. If you are, then we would like to chat with you. Fill out this form and someone will be in touch. All things going well, our next scheduled baptism will be on Sunday, 9th October so register as soon as you can.

Operation Christmas Child | Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas

Would you like to bring joy to young people? Would you like to bring the gospel of Jesus to children? Would you like to transform the life of a child in a third world country? You have the opportunity to do this by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. And you can do it in 6 easy steps!

Attend Berwick Church of Christ and purchase a box for 50 cents at the Next Steps desk.
Fill the box with the gifts.
Label your box.
Bring the box back by Sunday, 25th September 2022.
Make a $10 donation for shipping and gospel materials.
Pray for the child who will receive your box.

Bring joy and Jesus to the life of a child this Christmas by taking part in Operation Christmas Child. Find out more by going to the Next Steps Desk at Berwick Church of Christ before and after the Sunday worship service.

Fuse Youth | Friday 2nd September

This week at FUSE Youth our girls and guys will continue our relationship series! Trust us, it’s gonna be fun!

We’re at BCOC @7pm, $5 for the night!

Key details:

Time: 7-9.30pm
Cost: $5
Address: @BCOC

Walking Group Clyde | Saturday 3rd September

Get ready to put on your walking shoes! If you are looking for a social walking group in Clyde, you have found it. We are of all ages and fitness levels. Bring your family and friends. Make new friends, build a support network, have fun, and work on your fitness.

Details:

Date: Every Saturday, weather permitting. Check the iConnect Facebook page for updates.
Time: 8.30am – 9.30am
Address: Casey Fields Playspace car park

>>>iConnect FACEBOOK PAGE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 4th September

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

PREP – GRADE 6 | Unforgettable you!

Abraham and Isaac | Genesis 15:1-6; 18:1-15; 21:1-7

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS | God loves me when I’m sad

Hannah is sad | 1 Samuel 1 – 2:20

Guest speaker Eddy Leo | Sunday 4th September

Pastor Eddy Leo will be visiting us Sunday at 10am to preach on Father's Day. Eddy is the founder and lead pastor of Abbalove Ministries in Jakarta, Indonesia, one of the largest churches in the world. He pioneered Christian Men's Network Indonesia and is the advisor to CMN International. Eddy is also a well accomplished author and is married to Rosemarry and has two sons, Christian and Daniel.

Boys Brigade | Monday 5th September

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