Pursuing God's Will: Building a Strong Foundation
Wednesday 25th October 2023
Building a house is a metaphor often used in the Bible to illustrate the importance of establishing a solid foundation in life before adding the finishing touches. Pursuing God's will for your life is very much like the process of constructing a house, where the foundation represents a strong and unwavering faith in God, and the finishing touches symbolise the unique calling He has for each individual.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches this concept in Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV):
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
This passage underscores the importance of a strong foundation in the face of life's challenges. Pursuing God's will requires unwavering faith and obedience to His teachings, just as a house needs a sturdy base to withstand storms.
In building a house, the foundation is laid before the details of the structure are worked on. Similarly, in pursuing God's will, one must first establish a deep and unwavering relationship with Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) emphasizes this:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Trusting God wholeheartedly is the foundation on which His will for your life can be built.
Once the foundation is secure, God's will can be revealed in your life. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) states,
“For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God has unique plans and purposes for each individual, just as a house takes on its distinct finishing touches to become a unique and beautiful home.
In conclusion, pursuing God's will for your life is akin to building a house with a strong foundation of faith and trust in Him before adding the finer details of His calling. Just as a well-constructed house stands firm against life's challenges, a life aligned with God's will finds purpose, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity. So, let your foundation be in Christ, and allow Him to complete the masterpiece of His will in your life.
Bringing Christmas to Life | Buy a tag!
As families across Melbourne come together and celebrate Christmas, let us not forget those who are struggling at this time of year. To this end, we are having an event where we invite our Food Pantry clients, pour love on them, and give them the ability to celebrate Christmas with their families.
Be a blessing by sponsoring
- a Christmas hamper for $55 and/or
- a food voucher/gift for a child for $30
Bring Christmas to Life by purchasing your gift tags at The Desk on Sundays between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m., at 446 Centre Road, Berwick.
As part of this event, we are looking for people who can help in setting up on Friday (1st December) during the day and packing up on Saturday (2nd December) at 2 p.m. Let us know ASAP at [email protected] or 97021011 if you can assist.
Fuse Youth | Friday 27th October
This week is Part 2 of our series “What’s Holding You Back?”. Come along for a night of worship, good chats, a powerful message, testimonies and good food! 7-9.30pm, $5
Sunday Service | 29th October 2023 | Finding God's Will For Your Life Part 1 | 10am
Are you ready to embark on a two-part thrilling adventure that will lead you to uncover God's purpose for your life, and how to be His presence in every place? It's time to explore, seek, and embrace the incredible plan He has in store for you. Prepare for an expedition of faith and self-discovery as we come together to navigate and understand God's unique design for our lives.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable opportunity to discover your purpose and live a life following Christ, loving people, serving our city, and growing faith communities.
Come with an open heart, eager spirit, and a hunger to seek His will. We can't wait to embark on this journey with you! Let's step in and unveil the incredible path God has laid out for you. We look forward to sharing this life-changing experience with boundless anticipation and love. See you at 10.00am!
Cafe | Sunday 29th October | 9.30am
Attention coffee lovers! The coffee is brewing, and the fun and energy is limitless! Come early as the doors open at 9.30 a.m. Gather your friends because we can't wait to welcome you with open arms and serve you an unforgettable cafe experience. Prepare to sip, savor, and smile as you enjoy our 10 am Sunday service.
Kids Church | Sunday 29th October | 10am
This week at Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Miriam’s story | Exodus 2:4-10; 15:20-21; Micah 6:4
5 to 12-year-olds | Keeping the right focus | Philippians 4:8
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 29th October
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet regularly to pray together. James 5:16 – speaks about the effect of fervent prayer and how it achieves great things! Come along and enjoy fellowship, worship, and prayer as men of faith gather to seek God for mighty breakthroughs. Time: 5.45 pm – 7.30 pm.
Baptisms | Sunday 29th October
This Sunday we will be conducting water baptisms. Baptism is a full immersion in the 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.
>>>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.
If you would like to participate, please fill in the Child Dedication Application Form on the BCOC website here.
NB: The 12th of November will be the last Child Dedication Service for 2023.
YA Social | Sunday 29th October | 1.00pm
Our next YA social is coming up, and we would love to have you come down to a PICNIC @ PIONEER PARK. Make sure you BYO lunch, a picnic mat, and a friend. We can't wait to see you there! Also, if you have any lawn games, bring those along! See you at 1 pm at the Cnr Lyall Rd & Peel St, Berwick.
Boys Brigade | Monday 30th October
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
>>>CHECK OUT BOYS BRIGADE<<<
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 8th November
Let’s enjoy an afternoon of marine discovery! Please bring any marine items you may have (shells, pearls etc.) for display.
Details:
- Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
- Bring: Please bring a plate for everyone to share
>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<
Child Dedication Service | Sunday 12th November
Child dedication is the acknowledgment that not only are children a gift from God, but they are His children. Child dedication is a solemn public declaration made by parents/carers of their commitment to raise their child to love and serve the Lord. It is also an opportunity for our church family to support the children and their parents through prayer.
If you are interested, please complete the Child Dedication Application Form ASAP and attend the Parent Briefing Session on Sunday 29th October at 12.00pm in Room 5 (FLC).
Details:
- Time: 10.00am – 11.30am
- Date: Sunday 12th November 2023
- Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Thrive Clinic | Wednesday 15th November
Life’s pressures, relationships, and family dynamics all have an impact on our emotional well-being. But what if we could get healing and freedom from the past and find healthy ways for moving forward?
You don’t need a lecture. You need someone to come alongside to understand your story and provide insights, a healing pathway where needed, and personal mentoring.
Imagine experiencing this in the safety of a small group where you are not alone, but inspired and encouraged.
Thrive Clinic runs for 5 consecutive Wednesdays:
- Session 1: The LIES we believe
- Session 2: Overcoming HURT and ANGER
- Session 3: Overcoming SHAME and REGRET
- Session 4: RELATIONSHIP dynamics
- Session 5: A new way of THINKING
Details
- Date: Wednesday 15th November 2023
- Time: 7.30pm – 9.15pm
- Address: Eliston Family and Community Centre. 20 Eliston Ave, Clyde.
- Cost: $20 individuals / $30 couples
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Partners & Volunteers Gathering | Sunday 26th November
We're having a Partners & Volunteers Gathering and we want YOU to join us!
We've got an action-packed program planned; from inspiring messages that will ignite your faith, to updates about future developments.
So mark your calendar, set your alarm, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. We can't wait to see you at our Partners & Volunteers Gathering on Sunday 26th November from 12.30 pm – 2.30 pm. If you are in the process of exploring partnership, you are most welcome to attend.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
