What the world needs from us as Church

Focus

Friday 2nd June 2023

We have lost the cultural steering wheel in spite of

  • schools
  • hospitals
  • universities
  • orphanages
  • churches
  • food pantries
  • mental health institutes
  • abolishment of slavery
  • the government systems that built the Western civilization

and many other beneficial initiatives. We have become a group of people perceived to be standing in the way of the vision for a secularized society. We were allowed to exist within our own networks for a season as Christians, but the tide is all the more turning against us as we are being portrayed as the fly in the ointment in the current world.

Nowhere is it better seen in the stance taken against traditionally held Christian views on sexuality in the  “Change or Suppression (conversion) practices prohibition bill 2020”. 

“In enacting this Act, it is the intention of the Parliament— 

  • (a) to denounce and give statutory recognition to the serious harm caused by change or suppression practices; and 
  • (b) to affirm that a person's sexual orientation or gender identity is not broken and in need of fixing; and 
  • (c) to affirm that no sexual orientation or gender identity constitutes a disorder, disease, illness, deficiency or shortcoming; and 
  • (d) to affirm that change or suppression practices are deceptive and harmful both to the person subject to the change or suppression practices and to the community as a whole.”

As Christians, we refer to our lives as an experience where had a “conversion” experience when we decided to follow Christ. That is how we became Christians:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, and the new is here!

2 Cor. 5:17 NIV

This conversion redefines our identity in such a way that it is now only found in Christ and then translated into every area of our lives. This does not mean we have been delivered from the potential to fall into temptation, but it means that God’s original design for us has been born again and we step into a journey where we align our lifestyle with His original revelation of it as found in Christ!

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

Eph. 4:17-21 NIV

The responsibility to teach people the way of life in Christ lies with every disciple making Christian and… the church! 

I share the concern that government holds on some of the conversion practices… but I am personally a witness to my own conversion through Christ. I am also deeply thankful for being taught His way of life through the church. It steered me away from detrimental behaviour that would have led to a life of regrets!

How do we introduce this truth of our conversion into a world that frowns upon it? Well, we are not new to this… there were other times in history when Christians were confronted by it as well:

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Acts 4:29-30 NIV

I believe this season is an open door for us as a church to pray more than ever. But not just pray open ended prayers…but pray for two things specifically:

  1.  “Lord enable us to speak your word” – make us effective in communication to restore your truth
  2. “heal and perform signs and wonders” – bring healing through us to reveal your love

Join us as we respond in truth and love to our community!

Last Sunday | Live Stream

Last Sunday we have some technical problems and could not live stream our Sunday message. You can now jump over to YouTube and listen to Pastor Ken's message on being Divided, Distracted, and Disturbed.

>>>WATCH HERE<<<

Bakers | We need your help!

At State Youth Games on the King's Birthday weekend we feed a huge tribe of hungry, cold teenagers and adults – and we love to give them some home-baked treats to keep them going!

If you are able to bake something, please let us know beforehand if possible (with your name and what you are able to provide) by texting Sue Nicholls on 0403 822 324.  Deliveries can be made to the church during office hours or on Sunday mornings so we can keep items in our freezer ready to take with us.  Containers should be labeled with your name and the ingredients. Thanks in advance for your help!

Food Pantry | Our city needs our help!

Last year the Food Pantry supported 96 families with 231 visits who were in need of crisis support. 96 families! Imagine, they could be your friends or neighbours. Families who are doing it tough. The City of Casey Council recognised the generous support the Food Pantry and volunteers give to our local community. Council presented BCOC Food Pantry with the 'Community Group of the Year' award. Let's reach out and show our support by purchasing something from our list in your next shop. You can drop it off in the Food Pantry basket located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.

Let's Love People and Serve Our City, and buy one item to be His presence in the City of Casey!

At your next shop, please pick up:

  • Biscuits (e.g. Arnott's)
  • Jam Spreads
  • Pasta sauces
  • Olive oil
  • Muesli bars
  • Tinned tuna
  • Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
  • Long life milk
  • Toothpaste & toothbrushes
  • Shampoo & conditioner
>>>FOOD PANTRY<<<

Fuse Youth | Friday 2nd June

This week we are off to Winepress (54/60 Intrepid St, Berwick VIC 3806) for an incredible YOUTH ALIVE event! Invite your mates for a night of worship, to hear a powerful message from Pastor Dave Edgar (State Director of Youth Alive) and for ridiculous fun! 7-9.30pm, $5 (CASH)

>>>FUSE YOUTH<<<

Sunday Service | What the World Needs Now

We continue our church-wide series, The Daniel Dilemma. The primary objectives of the series are to “Raise and Equip Followers of Christ” and to “Love People”. The strategy we’ve employed is to go through a journey on truth and love by using the Daniel Dilemma series.

This will be reflected in our Big Church services, Life Groups, FUSE Youth and Kids’ Church. The series helps us learn to stand firm in God’s truth and love well with God’s love in the culture we live in. We will look to Jesus and Daniel as our examples.

Why not come early and enjoy a coffee at our cafe. We look forward to seeing you!

>>>WATCH ONLINE<<<

Kids Church | Sunday 4th June

This week Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Paul becomes a believer | Acts 9: 1-9
5 to 12-year-olds | Pauls encounter with Jesus| Acts 9:1-9

Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 4the June

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.

Boys Brigade | Monday 5th June

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<<<

Baptism Class | Tuesday 6th June

Baptism is a step of obedience in a person’s life. Perhaps you are interested in getting baptised or would like to know more about what baptism is all about. If that is you, then we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.

Complete the expression of interest form if you would like to be contacted about being Baptised. Class is 7.30pm to 9.00pm.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 6th June

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. The gathering runs from 7.30pm – 9.30pm.

>>>BOOK NOW<<<

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

State Youth Games Registrations close TONIGHT at 11.59pm!! If you need sponsorship, please contact [email protected]. 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.

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<<<

Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 14th June

Be prepared to have your brain stretched as we delve into the world of amazing things! Is there something you find amazing that you can share with the Group? The Friendship Group meet in the Connect Lounge at 1.30pm to 4.00pm Please bring a plate for everyone to share.

>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<

Partners Gathering | Sunday 18th June

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<<<

Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 18th June

We will be having a fantastic guest speaker, Senior Pastor Braam Botha who was born in Tshwane in South Africa and has many years of ministry experience. He is married to his wife Sonja and been a youth and young adults pastor for 18 years. They have three young adults in their home. He is currently serving as Senior Pastor at BCOC. He desires to see youth and young adults influence today’s church for the sake of tomorrow’s Kingdom impact on our communities. Make sure you are there to hear what Pastor Braam has to say, and stick around for a meal and some fellowship afterwards! 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

>>>FORGE YOUNG ADULTS<<<

Baptism Celebration | Sunday 25th June

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. There is a Baptism Class on Tuesday 6th June if you would like to know more.

>>>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