It seems unreal…2500 years ago…there was a people who would look at our day and respond with: We feel your pain! It was the Jews…a minority group living in a land that had customs and beliefs so foreign to them that it could also be described as a “culture war”. There are however a few huge distinctions between Babylon then…and Australia now.

• In Australia Christianity is not outlawed…just frowned upon more and more
• In Australia we do not have a death penalty for not worshipping the government of the day
• In Australia we are not forced to be educated and examined in pagan worship…just exposed to it

It has become tougher to be Christ’s servant…but not illegal. It is like swimming upstream in an ever increasing current. Therefore, we should heighten our resolve to live as missional- individuals and -communities more than ever. The tide is turning, and the light’s visibility will be on the increase as the environment darkens!

Sunday after the service, a businessman shared with me how he follows God’s guidance in his business, and as he follows the Holy Spirit’s leading, he experiences a variety of miracles. Amid the strenuous ‘anti-Christian’ sentiments of his industry Christ still has His Kingdom representatives!

As secular culture has almost become sexular culture (a term developed in response to a culture that glorifies sexual appetites to the level of it being the primary identity driver of human beings) the need for a church that is bold without being judgmental increases. Even in stating our belief in the scriptures as God’s revelation of man’s design we run the risk of being labeled as ‘bigots’. You can almost feel the pressure to compromise for the sake of social comfort daily.

I went to take our dog for a walk in a dog park the other day. It should not have been an eventful occurrence. There were about 20 owners and even more pooches around. Suddenly I was confronted by someone who knew my name and title as Pastor, but I had no idea who they were (sorry!).  “Hey, Pastor Braam…if you believe Jesus preached a gospel of radical inclusion…why do you allow people in your church who oppose gay marriage!” I have  a lot of problems with that statement, but I suddenly had many eyes on me in the dog park. I am almost sure even some of the dogs froze in their tracks and turned their gaze towards me in anticipation of my response. I felt like many Christians must feel at work – every day! I think I felt like Daniel must have when he was called out:

'Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you (READ: SECULAR CULTURE) , Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” '

Daniel 6:13 NIV

I was called out for holding beliefs apparently opposed to what culture dictates. How should I respond in grace while staying aligned with God’s truth? I felt the pressure!

• Firstly, in my memory, I was taken back to Jesus’ words in the book of John:

'“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

• I was also reminded of our purpose to “Be His presence in every Place” and I approached the individual this question in mind: How do I manifest that in this situation?
• I was reminded of Daniel’s experience:

And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.'

Daniel 6:23b,27-28 NIV

Half an hour later we were in a deep dog-park-discussion on how we can reach out to people who feel marginalized in society. The content of our conversation went from condemnation to commissioning. There’s still a lot of growth needed there…but as I walked to my car afterwards I was stopped by a young adult that said: “Man, that was close!” I am sure you have many close encounters of the “secular” kind… May Daniel’s faithfulness, fruitfulness and faultless response be a source of inspiration for you!

Let’s trust in God! He can turn potential cultural “war zones” into opportunities to witness of His goodness!

Volunteers | Thank you!

We would like to shout out a huge thank you to our volunteers! One of our fantastic volunteers Krishan who runs the sound desk, saw a need and jumped into to save the day as our drummer last Sunday. Thank you to everyone who is jumping in and volunteering. We would love you to join our exciting volunteering teams. Contact us if you have a heart for a certain ministry or are not sure how you could help. You are amazing and have many gifts and talents our congregation would be blessed with!

Food Pantry | Help please

We are running very low on stock and would greatly appreciate your help. If you are able to pick up a few of the following items, please drop them into the Food Pantry basket in the foyer. Thank you so much!

• toilet paper
• paper towel
• shampoo
• conditioner
• soap
• large tins of tuna
• sweet biscuits
• savoury biscuits
• pasta sauce
• tinned vegetables
• tinned fruit
• breakfast spreads

Playgroup | Join the fun!

After a wonderful finish to playgroup in 2021, with loads of great connections made, we are super excited about 2022!  Please pray that we are able to commence on February 7 with minimal restrictions and no Covid interruptions.  There's always room in our groups for more families from church, as well as more child-free helpers, so please get in touch with me on 0403 822 324, [email protected] or use the forms on the playgroup webpage.  I'd love to hear from you.  Sue Nicholls, Playgroup Ministry Director.

Kids Church | Welcome back

We are super excited to welcome all our kids back. Come along early if you need to register if you are new to Kids Church or register online before you turn up.

Sunday Service | 23rd January 2022

Come along this Sunday at 10am as we have a fantastic guest speaker, Rob Nyhuis. Rob is from Churches of Christ Victoria/Tasmania. He will be speaking on Replenishing Spiritually which will conclude this series. More details.

Vision Sunday | Free sausage sizzle

Save the date, Sunday January 30^th! Our first Vision Sunday for the year is going to be a fantastic service focusing on the year ahead and finishing off with a free sausage sizzle. Spread the word and invite your family and friends!

Alpha | Starts Wednesday 2nd Feb

The world's most popular introductory course to Christianity, please bring a friend who has questions about God and Faith. Meal, video and discussion. The course runs for 10 weeks. Please book via our website – Cost $10 for the meal for the first night only.

Young Adults | Summer Camp

Registrations are closing January 30^th so don’t miss out! Book your spot for a weekend full of water sports, hiking, evening services and great food!

GTM 1 | Starts Tuesday 8th Feb

The Intro session is an opportunity for anyone to come find out about this life changing Discipleship Course. The course itself begins the following Tuesday with a meal at 7pm at Berwick Church of Christ. Book now.

GTM 2 | Starts Wednesday 9th Feb

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. There may be options for some to join online if participating in person is not possible. Venue: Berwick Church of Christ. Book now.

Partners Gathering | 27th March 2022

We are looking forward to meeting up with our partners. The gathering will require us to wear masks and register via government QR code. More details.

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor