According to research done by the McCrindle Institute the top attractor to religion and spirituality in Australia is seeing people who live out a genuine faith (reference). This is a great challenge for all of us. But it is not a new challenge:

'In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. '
Matthew 5:16 NIV

If I have an honest look at my life since becoming a Christian, I have to admit that the struggle many times has been to integrate the whole of my life with my faith. Most of the times I was battling to act according to my identity in Christ in some area. Sometimes it’s my finances, or emotions, or thinking, or health, or relationships, or circumstances at work… Truth is, it is not only my struggle…but most Christians’ I know struggle with this. There is no greater purpose to live for than being His presence in every place, therefore an integrated faith is of absolute importance!

We can only bring His presence to places if we follow Him accurately and love people deeply…and this is why we use this campaign to equip us to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

'Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose. '
Philippians 2:12-13 NIV

As the state of Christianity in Australia is deteriorating and the inactivity of Christ’s church due to Covid-19 impact on many Christians’ faith journey, we want to arm you with a 50-day process that will help you integrate your identity in Christ with all areas of your existence. This process can also empower you to facilitate this journey for believers you know by acting as a HOST. If you aren't connected into a life-group in some way, either join one, host one or do this as a family. You will be glad to hear that the Campaign themes will also be used at Fuse Youth and our Kids Ministry. This will ensure that we raise Christ Followers across the generations represented in our church.

Imagine the impact we can have when each of us are living out a genuine faith!

The past Sunday Tim Burke shared the story of a man’s struggle with his sexual identity. The second part of his story could not be shared, so I include it in this letter. For those who weren’t there I also include the first part of it.

PART A
“I didn't understand the reason why I always felt attracted to males. It started at a young age. I always sensed who was willing and who wouldn't participate in homosexual acts. I felt it wasn't normal. I tended to be a loner. I had trouble making friends and was fearful of social interaction. I started a long-term Homosexual relationship, which went for 14 years. It was testy and could be volatile. Deep down I wanted to be normal, and couldn't understand why I wasn't. I longed for a relationship with a female and have a family, but women weren't attracted to me when I tried to engage in conversation or just friendship.

My 14-year homosexual relationship blew up and we separated. I became very suicidal and depressed. I believed in reincarnation, sort of, but I didn't really want to come back and live all over again. 

PART B
After the blow up of my homosexual relationship of 14 years, I started praying to see if God was real. In the midst of the most depressing time, I checked my mail box, which was loaded to the hilt with junk mail but spotted a card in the bottom.  It said “God is great”. I felt an immense flow of love hit me. I got really overwhelmed and raced back inside.

Eventually, I decided to go to a church. I was petrified, walked in, sat at the back and listened.  The people were friendly but it scared me. As soon as the service was finished I shot out the door. I did that 3 times, then one day the pastor came up to me as I got up and he introduced himself. He was an older man. The love in his eyes shook me to the core. I’d never seen that before. We got talking. He asked to visit me, I agreed.

He came, we talked and I blurted out my story. This man never judged me at any time. He didn't tell me I was wrong or evil, he just sat with me and listened. A load seemed to lift from me. Over time we talked a lot more and he prayed with me and for me. I wanted more.

This pastor met with me many times to talk about my homosexuality, but not at his instigation, but mine. I had lots of questions and got a real revelation of why I lived the way I did. I was never coerced or judged in any way. I was also mentored by a couple of older guys, they were very helpful and I could talk about anything.

I made great friends and finally met a divorced lady who had 3 kids. We were attracted to each other. Some friends arranged a mealtime and we wound up talking for hours. We started dating. She knew my history and I wanted to tell her kids about this before we got seriously involved. They were shocked of course. We finally married and there were no issues at all with consummation. In fact I enjoyed it immensely. Any attractions I had to men are gone. I am now married for 24 years. It hasn't been easy, but I know God has freed me.”

If you would like to make an appointment to see one of our qualified counsellors please contact the church office and we will arrange for them to contact you to assess your needs.

We would love you to join us post service for a time of fellowship and enjoy a time of connecting with each other, giant games will be out for kids to play freely with parental supervision. There will be snacks provided in the form of Krispy Kreme donuts, chips, chocolates and free coffee, tea, hot chocolate, bottled water and soft drinks. We are looking forward to you joining us.

We begin our fantastic seven week series – Transformed. Don't forget to book your ticket now! Book here.

We have the privilege of witnessing the baptisms of several people in our church this weekend. Let us encourage them, celebrate with them and pray for them as they follow Jesus through the waters of baptism and live out their new lives.

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Romans 6:4 NLT

As you listen to their stories, baptism may be the next step in your spiritual journey as well. If that is the case, then let the Next Steps Desk know or email us at [email protected] and we will be in touch before the next baptism service comes along.

This coming weekend the ABC will be doing some recordings at our service in order to illustrate Michael Rojales and his family’s recovery as part of a documentary program. We encourage people to sit as close to the front as possible. However, should you not want to be in view of the camera (it will focus on the Rojales family but people around them would inevitably be in line of sight) please make sure you come a few minutes before 10am and take up a seat in the back half of the auditorium as the Rojales family will be in the front. Otherwise…ignore the camera, and pour love on the Rojales family as always.

Jesus constantly faced opposition to his ministry and people accusing him that the Father's work of healing and setting people free was against their laws, even when Jesus had just made someone whole! A current Bill before parliament could usher in a period of persecution to those who believe God’s word as true and who seek to help people experience real transformation, particularly those with unwanted same sex attraction or unwanted gender confusion.

In Jesus prayer for his followers, he said:

I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. John 17:14 (NLT)

Paul writing to the Philippians said:

Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Philippians 2:15 (NLT)

We are called continually to let our light shine no matter how dark the world around us becomes. Let’s use this unprecedented time in our state to call on God for a mighty revival that will see many hearts turn to God. Pray for our government. And pray that we will have boldness and wisdom how to live in a changing society, “being his presence in every place”, knowing our vision is firm “To be a movement representing Jesus Christ, transforming lives and communities through the power of the gospel”!

Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place! 

BRAAM BOTHA

Senior Pastor