Friday 21st October 2022

The answer to this question fuels our vision as a church. The unfortunate reality is that we have tweaked the Gospel to fit cultural realities.

In the process, we have reduced its dynamic power to bring transformation. The Gospel in its essence is as relevant as it is counter-cultural! It is therefore important that we allow the scriptural account of our “word”, our message, and our Gospel to be the ultimate test of what is gospel. The gospel has been described as a pool in which a toddler can wade and yet an elephant can swim. It is both simple enough to tell to a child and profound enough for the greatest minds to explore. Indeed, even angels never tire of looking into it (1 Peter 1:12). Humans are by no means angels, however, so rather than contemplating it, we argue about it.

A generation ago evangelicals agreed on “the simple gospel”:

• God made you and wants to have a relationship with you,
•  but your sin separates you from God.
• Jesus took the punishment your sins deserved,
• so if you repent from sins and trust in him for your salvation, you will be forgiven, justified, and accepted freely by grace, and indwelt with his Spirit until you die and go to heaven.

There are today at least two major criticisms of this simple formulation. Many say that it is too individualistic, that Christ’s salvation is not so much to bring individual happiness as to bring peace, justice, and a new creation. A second criticism is that there is no one “simple gospel” because “everything is contextual” and the Bible itself contains many gospel presentations that exist in tension with each other.

If I had to give an outline of the Gospel in a single, simple statement, this might be it:

Through the person and work of Jesus Christ, God fully accomplishes salvation for us, rescuing us from judgment for sin into fellowship with him, and then restores the creation in which we can enjoy our new life together with him forever.

The Gospel leads to a deep personal transformation that spills over into a wide cosmic impact. Here are a few key scriptures that can help you have a filter what is presented as Gospel:

'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. '

John 3:16 NIV

'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

'For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. '

Romans 8:19-21 NIV

What is your take on the Gospel? Is it balanced? Is it centred? Can you communicate it? Why don’t you have a go? I’d love to hear it….more so…our city needs to hear it!!!

Partners Gathering | Thursday 27th October

This is a partners only gathering where we will:

• galvanise our unity before Christ as head of our movement
• communicate important information on the state of the movement
• share with our partners information about future developments
• celebrate key breakthroughs in our movement
• build a stronger sense of community and relationship as partners
• create an opportunity to foster healthy communication

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Playgroup | Could you help?

Were you around on Vision Sunday?  If you missed it, I encourage you to listen online to the service (October 9) for some amazing testimonies of God at work in many lives. You can watch here.

Leanne Girotto spoke of the journey she and Denis took to become leaders in our congregation, beginning many years ago in Playgroup, then taking initial steps towards Christ with a Marriage course and social events.

You may not be available on a weekday morning to help connect with mums and children in a Playgroup setting (although if you are I would love to hear from you!).  But if you could help facilitate a Parenting Course, Marriage Course or have experience in running Lifekeys Woman to Woman please get in touch with me.  We have literally dozens of women, many of them non-believers, who have expressed interest in these courses – but I need help to create these “next steps" opportunities for them.  Sue Nicholls 0403 822 324 or [email protected]

Karen Fletcher | Celebrating 30 years

This week we celebrated Karen Fletcher who has been on staff here at Berwick Church of Christ for 30 years! Karen is a monumental team member whose heart for God's kingdom is seen every day. We are so grateful for you Karen and thank you for 30 years of being humble, loving, and a true servant of God.

Invite Sunday | 6th November 2022

It is easy to feel pulled in all directions by the messaging and expectations of society and culture. Many, feel stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Others feel bombarded by information and decisions, deadlines and demands. Is there another way – a counter culture way – where the pressure is off? Invite your family and friends!

>>>INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS<<<

Invite Sunday | 13th November 2022

Instead of being overwhelmed, it’s time to overcome! When it comes to mental and emotional health, physical and family wellbeing, many people face an unseen enemy that makes it difficult to thrive in life. Few in the professional realm understand. Discover where the real battle lies and how to get free. Healing and freedom prayer will be available for all who want it. Invite your family and friends!

>>> INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS<<<

FUSE Youth | Friday 21st October

FUSE Youth ARE BACK. Get ready for live worship, an incredible message from our very own Jamo & a time of ministry together. Of course, we will have food and fun included in the night!

Important details:

• @BCOC
• @7-9.30pm
• $5 for the night!

Walking Group Clyde | Saturday 22nd October

Get ready to put on your walking shoes! If you are looking for a social walking group in Clyde, you have found it. We are of all ages and fitness levels. Bring your family and friends. Make new friends, build a support network, have fun, and work on your fitness.

Details:

• Date: Every Saturday, weather permitting. Check the iConnect Facebook page for updates.
• Time: 8.30am – 9.30am
• Address: Casey Fields Playspace car park

>>>iConnect FACEBOOK PAGE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 23rd October

Join us in person or online 10am this Sunday at Kids Church.

PREP – GRADE 2 | Floating baby

Moses is born | Exodus 2:1-10 (supporting Exodus 1)

WONDERKIDS & LITTLE SPARKS |I can trust God’s plans even when it’s hard

Joseph’s journey |Genesis 37; Genesis 39-40

Sunday Service | What is the Gospel

Many have their perspective on what is the Gospel. Some emphasise the problem of sin and its consequences before a holy God, others the relentless pursuit of a loving God. Discover the full Gospel, and step into freedom and joy knowing the pressure of sin and performance is off, while not compromising the life God calls you to.

We would love to see you at 10am here at Berwick Church of Christ, 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806. Come early and enjoy a hot drink at our cafe. If you can't make it, you can catch up on the YouTube channel.

>>>WATCH LIVE STREAM<<<

Child Dedication Q&A & Briefing | Sunday 23rd October

Child dedication Q&A and briefing
If you’re interested in Child Dedication, there is a brief Q&A and briefing session.

Please contact the church office to register your interest.

Details:

• Date: Sunday 23rd October 2022
• Time: Directly after the service in room 6
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, Vic, 3806

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Boys Brigade | Monday 24th 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 26th October

Our Seniors Ministry Major Alan Laurens will lead us in a time of worship and communion together. Let’s lift Jesus high together!

Details:

• Time: 1.30pm – 4.00pm
• Bring: please bring a plate for everyone to share

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY DETAILS<<<

Gospel Training | Four events

How to share the gospel with confidence!
In just two hours of training, we aim to increase your level of conviction and confidence in sharing the most powerful truth for transforming lives and communities.

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes…” Instead of being ashamed, be equipped!

Register your interest now.

>>>TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER | 8.20AM<<<

>>>TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER | 11.00AM<<<

>>>TUESDAY 1ST NOVEMBER | 7.20PM<<<

>>>THURSDAY 3RD NOVEMBER | 7.20PM<<<

Child Dedication Service | Sunday 6th November

Child dedication is the acknowledgment that not only are children a gift from God, but they are His children. You place your child into God’s hands and trust that He will guide you in parenting. Essentially, dedicating your child to God is to declare that you will train your child in the ways of the Lord.

Child Dedication is part of our regular service and requires the parents to bring their child to the front of the church at the appropriate time. We encourage siblings of the child to join in and we like to display a photo of your child on the monitor so everyone can see.

Register your interest now.

>>>CHILD DEDICATION APPLICATION FORM<<<

Men's Event | Sunday 6th November

Arthur Bolkas is a criminologist and writer who was raised on welfare in a Greek migrant family. He had been a successful athlete, school captain, and dux of his final year. But partway through an Arts/Law degree, his life spiralled out of control. Addicted to drugs and desperate for money, he was involved in a series of armed robberies and landed in prison. At the four-year mark of his sentence, lost and suicidal, a miraculous discovery changed Arthur’s life.

Since his release from prison, Arthur has driven taxis, run men’s groups, worked with at-risk youth and prisoners, pastored a church, spoken internationally, and featured in the general media. However, his life has not been easy. He feels strong but vulnerable; broken, but healing; grateful to be alive. He lives one day at a time and strives for balance in his life.

Details:

• Date: Sunday 6th November 2022
• Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm
• Where: 446 Centre Road, Berwick, room 1
• Age: 16+
• Cost: $10
• Included: BBQ, drink & roaring fire

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor