Table of Contents
The Cross: Where Brutality and Grace Meet
Wednesday 25th February 2026
‘Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. ‘
Romans 5:18-19 NIV
Few symbols are as globally recognised as the cross. It appears on churches and jewellery, in art and architecture, and even in popular culture. Yet familiarity can dull its force. What was once an instrument of terror and execution has become, for many, a decorative or sentimental image. The New Testament, however, will not allow us to soften the cross. Its brutality is not incidental; it is essential to its meaning.
The cross confronts us first with the seriousness of sin. The gospel offends our pride and self-justification. If forgiveness could be achieved by moral effort, spiritual insight, or social reform, the cross would be unnecessary. But the sheer violence and cost of the crucifixion tell us something sobering: sin is not a minor flaw to be managed, but a rupture that requires costly repair. The cross exposes the depth of human rebellion and the limits of human self-rescue.
At the same time, the cross reveals something even more astonishing—unmerited favour. Grace. Christianity is uniquely honest about evil without being cynical about humanity. The cross holds these together. It names the reality of guilt without leaving us trapped in it. Jesus does not die as a tragic accident or merely as a moral example; He gives His life willingly. The brutality of the cross is not evidence of God’s absence, but of God’s commitment to deal with sin fully and finally.
The cross must be understood within the larger biblical story. Israel longed for God to put the world right, to deal with injustice, idolatry, and corruption. At the cross, God does exactly that—but not in the way anyone expected. Instead of condemning the world from a distance, God absorbs the world’s violence, sin, and brokenness into Himself. Judgment and mercy meet in one moment, in one place, on one cross.
This is why the cross remains so confronting. It levels every hierarchy of moral superiority. No one stands above the need for grace. The brutality of the cross tells us that sin is serious enough to require death; the love displayed there tells us that grace is generous enough to be offered to all. The cross leaves no room for pride, but it also leaves no room for despair.
To look at the cross honestly is to strip away illusions (about ourselves, our goodness, and our ability to save ourselves) and see His invitation into hope. The cross declares that forgiveness is not earned but given, not deserved but received.
In the shadow of the cross, we learn two truths that must never be separated: we are more broken than we like to admit, and more loved than we ever dared to hope.
Invitation for Eldership Nominations – Due 9 March 2026
As Partners of Berwick Church of Christ, we share in the responsibility of discerning spiritual leadership for our congregation. In accordance with our Constitution, the Board has determined the process for receiving nominations for Eldership (Rule 11.1)
We now invite Partners to prayerfully nominate individuals whom you believe demonstrate the biblical qualities outlined in 1 Timothy 3:1–10 and Titus 1:5–9.
Constitutional Process
Under Rule 11 of the Constitution:
- The Board determines the nomination process and considers all nominations (Rule 11.1–11.2).
- The Board will prayerfully assess eligibility according to Scriptural qualifications and other relevant matters (Rule 10; Rule 11.2).
- If the Board affirms a nomination, appointment of a Partner as an Elder requires:
o A two-thirds majority vote of the Board, and
o Confirmation by a two-thirds majority vote of Partners at a General Meeting by secret ballot (Rule 11.3(a).
This careful and prayerful process ensures both spiritual discernment and constitutional integrity.
Before You Nominate
Please ensure that:
- You have personally spoken with the nominee.
- They are willing to be nominated.
- You have prayerfully discussed the “Eldership Nomination Form” with the nominee.
- Submit the form via the link below and the completed form will be sent to elders@bcoc.com.au.
The Elders Nomination – Affirmation Form has been designed to assist Partners in reflecting on the biblical and pastoral nature of elders.
Submission Deadline
All nominations must be submitted no later than:
Monday, 9 March 2026
Click here to submit the form.
Eldership is not a positional honour, but a sacred calling of shepherding, spiritual oversight, and servant-hearted leadership under Christ, the Chief Shepherd. We encourage you to approach this season with prayer, humility, and attentiveness to the Spirit’s leading.
Grace and peace,
Braam
On behalf of the Board of Elders
Sunday Services | 1st March 2026 | 9am & 11am
Come along and experience our powerful new series called Encounter.
For centuries, lives have been transformed by a single encounter with Jesus, from Nicodemus in secrecy, to Levi at the tax table, to the woman at the well, and countless men and women ever since. Those who truly encounter Jesus experience remarkable, radical and enduring change.
In this series, we’ll step into these unforgettable Gospel moments and discover how an encounter with Jesus transforms our deepest longings, confronts our hardest questions, and ignites unshakeable hope. We’ll see the beauty, goodness, and truth of who Jesus is, and how His life and teachings continue to bring real, lasting transformation today.
As we connect through Scripture, we will be inspired to share with others what God is doing in our own story and to carry His presence into every place we go.
Over seven weeks, we’ll journey through these powerful encounters together during the 9:00am and 11:00am services.
Come expectant.
Come ready.
Come and encounter Jesus.
Kids Church | Sunday 1st March 2026 | 9am & 11am
This week Kids Church:
2 to 4-year-olds | Water to wine | John 2:1-11
5 to 12-year-olds | John the Baptist is a witness about Jesus | John 3:22-36
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 1st March 2026 | 5.30pm
Calling all men! At our weekly gatherings, we come together to pray, support one another in our faith journey, and grow deeper in our relationship with God.
Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or new, we welcome you with open arms. Our group is a safe space where men can come together to share their hearts, struggles, and victories.
Join us as we seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and strength in our lives and for our families. Together, we can uplift each other, grow in faith, and make a real difference in our community.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Come and join our Men’s Prayer Group where together we seek the Lord for our families, community and nation.
Boys Brigade | Monday 2nd March 2026 | From 6:00pm
For over 20 years, the Boys’ Brigade has advanced God’s Kingdom in the lives of 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
Come join us and be part of this ministry that gives boys godly direction, hope and a foundation in Christ.
Prayer & Fellowship Walk | Tuesday 3rd March | 6:30am
The Tuesday morning Prayer and Fellowship Walk is around the church property and is a powerful time of seeking the Lord together in prayer.
We pray for our church, community and nation. So come and join us at 6:30 am in the Berwick Church of Christ Car Park.
This is a wonderful way to start the day and you are most welcome to join us. If you haven’t joined us before please message 0419 277 500 by 8.00pm on Monday evening so we can keep you updated of any changes to the plans.
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 11th March 2026 | 1:00pm
Compassion in Action
We’re honoured to hear from Orange Sky, an incredible Australia-wide organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness and hardship. Learn how something as simple as a clean shirt, a warm shower, and a listening ear can restore dignity and hope and be inspired by the power of kindness and community.
All Seniors are warmly invited and we’d love you to join us, bring a friend, and be part of these special gatherings.
Women’s Gatherings | 20th – 29th March 2026
Something special is happening and you’re invited!
Between 20th – 29th March, women from BCOC are gathering in various small groups to:
- Build meaningful connections
- Grow together in our discipleship journey
- Enjoy genuine community in a warm, relaxed setting
- Have lots of fun and meet new people
Spots are limited, so click Book Now to register for one gathering that suits your availability and interests.
Whether you’re new to the church or already well connected, there’s a place for you. You’re also very welcome to invite a friend or neighbour to register with you.
Water Baptism Class | Monday 23rd March 2026 | 7:00pm
Are you ready to dive into the incredible journey of faith and celebration?
We’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Baptism Class – a dynamic, soul-stirring experience that’s sure to ignite your spirit.
Get ready to embark on a transformative voyage as we explore the profound significance of baptism.
Whether you’re new to the faith or a seasoned believer, this class is designed just for you!
Baptism Class: Monday 23rd March | 7:00pm
Baptism Services: Sunday 5th April | 9:00am & 11:00am
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
