A lot has been said about how man responds to circumstances. Behavioral modification models try to manipulate our responses… and these only last so long. The embrace of cognitive or even external religious strategies always seems to fall short in bringing about mental and emotional health in trying circumstances. The problem is in the root of our behavior, not the fruit.

The origin and inspiration of our responses needs to be addressed in order to navigate our circumstances.
Listen to this comment by a man at the pinnacle of religious devotion as he wrestles with his responses to reality:

'We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? '

Romans 7:14-15,21,24 NIV

His deliverance came when he called out to a saviour and not a religious system! Listen to the proclamation of his salvation:

Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Romans 7:,25 NIV

I would like you to cast your eye on the unique name of Paul’s deliverer: Jesus Christ! Christ was not Jesus’ surname… it was a descriptive of what gave him his delivering power. Christ means ‘anointed’ and references that Jesus had been anointed with the Holy Spirit to bring deliverance to us. The very same Christ (anointing) that was the root of Jesus’ power has become the root of Paul’s victory!

'because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. '

Romans 8:2,4 NIV

A higher power is now available to us as a source of response… and listen to the consequential fruit it has in our lives:

'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. '

Galatians 5:22-23,25 NIV

This weekend we will look into the power of keeping the Holy Spirit before me as a source of inspiration and sanctification… it’s going to be good!!!

We are thankful that the Covid restrictions have been eased in Melbourne. This will give us the opportunity to allow up to 300 people onsite. To secure your necessary seats please book via our website calendar or Trybooking.com. You are also welcomed to contact the office should you not have access to the web.  The service will be livestreamed as well. Due to limited space for kids, we urge families to book as soon as possible. Mask wearing will be compulsory. We do as each head of the household to make sure this is adhered to. This will be the arrangements as long as these restrictions are in place.

This week is the final week of Fuse youth before school holidays. We are going out with a bang with our final night of term being the All Nighter! Fuse Youth will begin back on Friday the 16th of July. 

This Sunday our youth and young adults service is going to be a great opportunity for fellowship. Make sure you book as there is limited spots available.

Matthew 25:40 NIV

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Last Tuesday, in the span of 3.5 hours, we were able to bless 13 families with bags of food and other essentials.  We are so thankful to everyone who serves, supports and helps fund this essential service to the community. The Food Pantry is available on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 2 pm. Please advise friends, family and people in need who would benefit from this community service.

Our amazing team of counselors, psychologists and social workers involved in our Living Springs Counselling center are available during this time for both face to face or zoom sessions if this is something you need, visit our website for more information.

Website: www.berwickchurch.org.au/living-springs
Phone: (03) 9702 1011
Email: [email protected]

For matters relating to prayer needs please email [email protected]

We trust you can find the appropriate support you need at this time.

As restrictions opened up, some life groups took advantage of catching at local restaurants. What a fantastic idea to keep connected and enjoy fellowship.

2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

We are thankful for the further easing of restrictions this week. There is now room for some lifegroups to meet face to face as we enter the school holidays.  It would be good for life groups to spend some focused time in fellowship, prayer and care. The Living Springs Counselling Centre is also available if you need them by calling them on 9702 6687 or emailing them at [email protected]. If you need practical assistance in the form of food and groceries, then the Food Pantry is also available on Tuesdays from 10:30 am to 2 pm. 

If you need a listening ear, someone to talk to and pray for you, call us on 9702 1011 or send us an email at [email protected] and someone from the team will reach out to you. As a church, we are called to serve and comfort each other and it would be great if we could be available to each other in this season. Even if it's just making or taking a phone call. God Bless!

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor