How the Holy Spirit Shapes Decision Making for Christ Followers
Wednesday 4th October 2023
For Christ followers, the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit are critical paramount in navigating life’s myriad decisions. The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Comforter or Counsellor, plays a central role in leading believers toward decisions aligned with God’s will. This essay explores how the Holy Spirit guides decision making for Christians, drawing upon relevant passages from the Bible.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to His disciples. John 14:16-17 states,
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Here, Jesus assures His followers that the Holy Spirit will be their constant companion, guiding them in truth.
Conviction and Illumination
The Holy Spirit convicts and illuminates the hearts and minds of believers. In John 16:8, Jesus explains,
“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment."
This conviction helps Christians discern between right and wrong, shaping their decision-making process. The Holy Spirit also provides illumination, enabling believers to understand and apply God’s Word. 1 Corinthians 2:12 states,
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God."
This spiritual understanding aids in making decisions that align with God’s revealed truths.
Guidance in Prayer
The Holy Spirit assists Christ followers in their prayer life, helping them to make decisions through prayerful communication with God. Romans 8:26-27 reveals,
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."
This passage emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in interceding for believers, ensuring that their prayers align with God’s will.
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."
These qualities are present in a life guided by the Holy Spirit. Pursuing these fruits in our daily lives will enable Christians to discern God’s leading in daily choices, both big and small.
Personal guidance and revelation to Christ followers
Acts 16:6-7 recounts an instance when the Spirit prevented Paul and his companions from entering certain regions, directing them to a different path. This demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s ability to guide individuals very specifically.
Corinthians 2:10-11 explains,
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also, no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."
This passage highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in revealing God’s thoughts and guidance to believers.
The Holy Spirit serves as the divine guide and counsellor for Christ followers, shaping their decision-making process. Through conviction, illumination, guidance in prayer, spiritual fruit and personal revelation, the Holy Spirit offers invaluable assistance to believers in their daily choices. As Christians seek to make decisions that align with God’s will, they rely on the Holy Spirit’s presence and leading, confident in the promise of Jesus that the Spirit will be with them always (John 14:16-17). In this way, the Holy Spirit becomes an indispensable source of wisdom and guidance, helping believers navigate the complexities of life with faith and trust in God’s direction.
Exciting News from BCOC | Double Services Trial Run!
We're thrilled to announce a two-week trial of double services at BCOC to better accommodate our growing faith community. As we've reached capacity in both seating and parking, this initiative aims to share your worship experience with people in your sphere of influence who would currently not find our services accessible due to the lack of seating and parking.
Join us on October 15th and 22nd at 9 am and 11 am for these trial services. We invite you to attend one of these time slots and enjoy the cafe, which will be open between the services and after the second one.
This trial allows you to consider which service best suits your schedule and preferences. We value your input and hope this adjustment helps us continue to serve our community effectively. Your feedback is vital during this period, so please share your thoughts and observations with us.
We look forward to worshiping with you and embracing this growth together!
Emergency! | Sunday 8th October
As part of our Safety requirements, this Sunday, 8th October, we will be running an Emergency Evacuation Exercise. This is to help our newly trained Wardens to practice an evacuation procedure, should we ever need to do it if a real emergency occurs. This Exercise won't include Kids Church – we will run another one at a later date for our Kids Church.
IMPORTANT: We will run the evacuation at 12noon – and therefore we would really appreciate it if you could stay after church to be involved in the exercise.
For further information, please feel free to contact Karen at the Church Office.
Operation Christmas Child | Due back this Sunday
Please bring back your shoe boxes by this Sunday if you are taking part in Operation Christmas Child. Thank you for bringing joy to young people this Christmas and transforming children's lives in the third world.
Kids Church | News
Term 4 commences Sunday 8th October and concludes Sunday 10th December with a fun End of Year Kids Celebration Day!! Woohoo!!!
The Grade 6 Graduation Ceremony is also on Sunday 10th December before the End of Year celebration festivities begin. Each of our Kids Church Rooms will finish the year in prayer – thanking God for all that He has done in 2023!
Your kids will not want to miss out on this fun day – please add the date to your calendar.
NB: Grade 6 kids will soon be transitioning from Kids Church to Fuse Youth. We strongly encourage them to continue attending Kids Church until the end of the year aka their Graduation and Celebration Day. Grade 6 kids bring a valuable contribution to Kids Church through worship, prayer, and group discussions which has a very positive impact on the younger kids in the room. We also believe it is important to finish seasons well and end their time in Kids Church in a fun celebration.
Kids Church | Double services 15th & 22nd October
Kids Church will be running during the 2 Service Multiplication Trials on 15th Oct and 22nd Oct. See below for the new sign-in and pick-up details.
9am Service
Sign-in desk opens at 8:50am – closes at 9:15am (usual place in the foyer)
Pick-up at 10:15am is ONLY via the external side glass sliding doors of the Family Life Centre via the side verandah (this is for Child Safety to avoid congestion in the foyer between services).
NB: Access to the Family Life Centre via the foyer will be restricted from 9:15 – 10:50am
NB: Please be prompt in picking up your children straight after the conclusion of the 9am service to allow time for Kids Ministry Team to prepare for the next service.
11am Service
Sign-in desk opens at 10:50am – closes at 11:15am (usual place in the foyer)
Pick-up at 12:15pm is ONLY via the external side glass sliding doors of the Family Life Centre via the side verandah.
NB: Access to the Family Life Centre via the foyer doors will be restricted from 11:15 – 12:30pm
NB: Please be prompt in picking up your children straight after the conclusion of the 11am service.
Many thanks for your cooperation during this trial service period. We welcome any feedback you can provide based on your experience from these days that will help us improve and streamline our delivery.
Kids Church | Help urgently needed
Looking ahead to 2024, we need to rapidly expand our Kids Ministry Team to cater for double services. We are looking for volunteers for Room Teams, Sign-in Teams, Kids Safety Teams.
Come and join this fun and dynamic team and help us raise up the next generation to be strong and anchored in their faith. All training is happily provided.
If you feel called to serve in this valuable ministry, simply complete the Kids Ministry Volunteer Application Form via this link.
Need more info? Please contact Glennie: [email protected]
Alpha Course | Wednesday 4th October
Is there more to life than this? Come and find out at Alpha! Alpha is a series of interactive sessions that create a safe and honest space, where people can explore life, faith and meaning together. Enjoy a meal with others, watch a video, and have an open discussion and conversation in a friendly and non-judgemental environment.
There’s no obligation to say anything and there’s nothing you can’t share (seriously). It’s an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.
Details
- Date: Wednesday 4th October 2023
- Time: 7.00pm – 9.30pm
- Address: 446 Centre Road, Berwick
- Booking fee: $10 (includes a free introduction night 2 course dinner)
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
GTM 1 Course | Thursday 5th October
GTM is the ideal follow-on course to ‘Search To Find’ or ‘Alpha” and is perfect for those who:
- are hungry to grow in their relationship with God
- want their faith to move from head knowledge to life experience
- desire to learn how to live out the Christian life in a practical way
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- participant workbooks
- DVD’s
- weekly inspiring audio talks
- group discussion and sharing
- special weekends
- personal challenges
Details:
- Time: 7.00 – 9.00pm
- Date: Thursday 5th October 2023
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
GTM 2 Course | Thursday 5th October
GTM 2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth for those who have completed the first unit.
Growing To Maturity (GTM) is a unique discipleship course that combines the use of:
- participant workbooks
- videos
- weekly inspiring audio talks
- group discussion and sharing
- special weekends
- personal challenges
Details:
- Time: 7.00 – 9.00pm
- Date: Thursday 5th October 2023
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Sunday Service | Referendum Ready 2
We continue our series, Referendum Ready. Australia is a land of democracy and diversity. As one, we are gearing up for an important event – the upcoming Referendum. We will be diving into the Process and Principles of preparing for this big event, focusing on how we as a church can engage in the Referendum with the guidance of the Holy Spirit leading our conscience. Together, we shape our future.
Kids Church | Sunday 8th October
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | David and Goliath | 1 Samuel 17:1-50
5 to 12-year-olds | Naaman and Elisha’s Servant | 2 Kings 5
Men’s Event – God’s Squad | Sunday 8th October | 6pm
Are you ready to have an unforgettable night with other men? Then mark your calendars for the upcoming Men’s Event on 8th October @ 6pm. This event is designed to provide a fun and engaging atmosphere for men to connect, share stories, and make new friends. There will be plenty of time to catch up over a BBQ and hear from an amazing speaker who will share about the God’s Squad history and vision.
The God’s Squad Christian Motorcycle Club (GSCMC), it was founded in 1971. In 1972, God’s Squad began in Melbourne under the leadership of John Smith. God’s Squad spread from Australia and now has multiple chapters throughout Europe, New Zealand, and the USA. God’s Squad has continued for over five decades to devote its efforts to those on the fringes of society. It has maintained a long commitment to supporting the poor, advocating for the rights of First Nation peoples, and active ministry in prisons, schools, and the public space. All of this has been built on a foundation of radical discipleship in Christ and the truth of the Gospel.
The Club continues to exist primarily to minister among motorcycle clubs and associated groups, where it is an accepted and relevant expression of the Christian Church.
So, why wait? Gather your mates and come along for a great evening! We look forward to seeing you there!
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 11th October
Come ready to play & win! Let your inner Olympian shine!
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a plate for everyone to share
>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<
Next Steps Lunch | Sunday 15th October
As a movement, it’s important for us to get to know each other better and take the next steps in our journey of faith. To this end, we want to invite you to the next … Next Steps Lunch.
The Next Steps Lunch is a 3-Sunday Lunch event (Sunday 15th, 22nd, and 29th October 2023) where you will get the opportunity to get connected, learn more about the movement, and discover your potential whilst enjoying a delicious meal.
The lunches are especially relevant to Newcomers but if you’ve been an attendee, a volunteer, or a partner and have not been to a Next Step Lunch before, we also encourage you to register.
The expectation is that people who book will attend all 3 lunches as each lunch has a different focus. And did I mention that it’s free?
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 15th October
Calling all fun-loving young adults! Are you up for an exciting and inspiring Sunday experience? Look no further because we've got the perfect night for you! Join us on Sunday 15th October at 5.30 pm for a thrilling church service with Graeme Cann speaking! Imagine a vibrant atmosphere filled with young people just like you, seeking a deeper connection with their faith while having an absolute blast!
Baptism Class | Tuesday 17th October
Baptism is a step of obedience in a person’s life. Perhaps you are interested in getting baptised or would like to know more about baptism? If that is you, please sign up for our next baptism class on Tuesday 17th October at 7.30pm.
If you would like to be contacted about being baptised, complete the Expression of Interest form below by clicking “Book Now".
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Child Dedication Q&A | Sunday 29th October
Our next Child Dedication Service is on 12th November, 2023. In preparation for the Child Dedications, there is a Parent Briefing Meeting on Sunday 29th October @ 12pm in Room 5 Family Life Centre.
NB: This will be the last Child Dedication Service for 2023.
If you would like to participate, please fill in the Child Dedication Application Form on the BCOC website here.
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
