Friday 21st April 2023

As I mentioned in last week’s communique, according to the “Faith and Belief in Australia” research done by the McCrindle Institute the best ways to make Christianity attractive again is:

• Living out a genuine faith
• Experiencing a personal event/trauma
• Testimonies of people who have changed because of their faith

Herein lies a problem…how do we know if someone’s faith is “genuine”? How do we really know…? Is it a genuine faith if it carries a testimony of consistent, fortuitous, and positive happenings in the life of an individual?  Is it genuine faith if an individual in some way can acquire material possessions at will by the way they pray? Is it the ability to fend off any risk in life through the careful application and upholding of religious rites and rituals? Self-preservation and glorification have unfortunately become the “candy coat” of modern religion. Make no mistake…God’s plans for you are plans to prosper you and not to harm you:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

It is however when the reality in life contrasts this ideal that our faith is tested. It is when a question mark is drawn behind God’s intentions – in the light of circumstances – that we discover the opportunity to move from a superficial faith to something way deeper. Job’s journey sometimes is echoed to us by a world cynical about our faith:

Then Job replied to the Lord:

2 “I know that you can do all things;

no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

3 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’

Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,

things too wonderful for me to know.

4 “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;

I will question you,

and you shall answer me.’

5 My ears had heard of you

but now my eyes have seen you.”

Job 42:1-5 NIV

I believe a genuine faith is one that has been tested and matured through the good and bad in life! This Sunday we will discover how our faith can mature irrespective of our circumstances.

Kids Church | We are back this Sunday!

We are back this Sunday at 10am! If you have not registered your child/ren, sign them up to save you time when you come Sunday. REGISTER NOW.

Fuse Youth | No program

Our fantastic Fuse Youth volunteers are taking a break over the school holidays. We will return on the 28th of April so see you then!

Sunday Service | Maturing Faith

This Sunday our worship team will take us all to heavenly places. We will bring you a fantastic message which you can implement into your own life. Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe. We look forward to seeing you!

>>>WATCH ONLINE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 23rd April

This week Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Tell others about Jesus | Matthew 28: 19-20
5 to 12-year-olds | On the road to Emmaus |Luke 24: 13-35

Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 23rd April

The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet to pray together. The group meets at the church every Sunday evening. Where individuals spend time in prayer, worship, and fellowship together as men who walk together to seek the face of God. Starts 5.45pm.

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 26th April

Mark will speak to us about beekeeping, and bring lovely honey along with beautiful beeswax candles to purchase. The Friendship Group meet in the Connect Lounge at 1.30pm to 4.00pm Please bring a plate for everyone to share.

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<

Baptism Celebration | Sunday 30th April

Baptism is the complete immersion into water of those who have confessed their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Saviour. However, it is more than just immersion in water. It has a number of significant meanings. Complete the expression of interest form if you would like to be contacted about being Baptised.

>>>REGISTER YOUR INTEREST<<<

Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 2nd May

The Mental Health Support Gatherings is a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ. We have been serving our community with support for over 150 years. You may be interested or might want to refer someone you care about to this opportunity.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

State Youth Games | Friday 9th – Monday 12th June

SYG is an event that unites thousands of youth & young adults from across Victoria. We compete against each other in sport, eat (lots), make new friends, build community and get together for night rallies, where we see young people come to Jesus. It’s. Epic.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Alpha Marriage Course | Wednesday 19th July

The Marriage Course is for couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some couples do the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, others are looking to address more specific challenges. Either way, the course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help you build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor