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Christmas at BPCC
Christmas at BPCC Christmas is just around the corner, and we look forward to celebrating with you and your loved ones in a number of different ways. Ruth: A Sermon Series for Advent In the weeks leading up to Christmas we will journey through the book of Ruth in a sermon series for Advent. Advent, a Latin word that literally means ‘coming’, is the 4-week season leading up to Christmas where we remember and give thanks for the coming of Jesus into the world for the salvation of sinners, but also where we look forward in anticipation to the coming of Jesus in the future to consummate his eternal kingdom. When you think about Advent and the Christmas story, you probably don’t think about the book of Ruth, but
What Does Jesus’ Resurrection Mean for Us
What Does Jesus’ Resurrection Mean for Us We often speak about the importance of the cross, that is, the world-defining death of Jesus, the sacrifice by which he paid for our sins in taking our punishment in our place so that we might be restored to God. But we can sometimes skip over the importance of Jesus’ resurrection. In fact, it is so important that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). Without the resurrection, there is no Christianity! This is because without Jesus being brought to life we have no hope of being brought to life ourselves. We are united to Jesus in his death and in his resurrection, and we receive the benefit of both
Thank You for Your Feedback
Thank You for Your Feedback The Bible uses a number of different images to describe the church: a family (Eph. 2:19), a body (1 Cor. 12:27), a flock (Acts 20:28), a temple (2 Cor. 6:16-18), and more. Almost all of these different images highlight the reality that when we are joined to Christ we are also joined to one another, and we need each other. And yes, that means you. To use the words of 1 Corinthians 12: “As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” … 24 God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, 25
The Prayer of Relinquishment
The Prayer of Relinquishment This Sunday we’re going to be looking at how to deal with disappointment in prayer. This is a difficult topic because we’re not just talking about missing out on the Gold Lotto here. Disappointment in prayer ranges from the trivial to the tragic moments of despair when we cannot understand why God does or doesn’t do something we ask. We’ll be spending time together looking at how Jesus dealt with this tension on Sunday, but for now, I want to share with you an article written by Pete Greig and 24/7 Prayer on ‘The Prayer of Relinquishment’. I hope its advice helps you in those times when you are so discouraged that you really aren’t sure how to pray. Here it is: A quick introduction
‘Where is God?’ Why God’s Omnipresence Matters
‘Where is God?’ Why God’s Omnipresence Matters “Where is God?” It is a question you are probably familiar with. When we first encounter the idea of God, it is quite reasonable to wonder where he is; many children have asked their parent this simple question. And when difficult times arise and tragic events happen, we often ask this question in a different sense. The simple yet profound answer is “everywhere”. This is what we call God’s omnipresence (omni meaning ‘all’); the reality that God is present in all places at all times. God, as the creator of the universe, is not bound by the concepts of time and space which he created, so he is present in every part of time and space, while existing outside of them. But
An Update from our Children’s Ministry
An Update from our Children’s Ministry Our Operation Christmas Child appeal for 2020 has officially ended, and I’m so pleased to say that despite the challenges we experienced this year has, our church family has packed 240 shoeboxes for children living in poverty. Because of your generosity, a child will not only receive a box full of gifts, they will be invited to attend a Bible teaching project where they will hear the good news about Jesus. These shoeboxes provide a wonderful opportunity for the local church to reach their community and share the gospel with families. Thank you to the many people who have donated items, given money for postage costs, hand-made beautiful items for the boxes, and packed their own shoebox. I feel blessed to be part
The Most Rewarding Spiritual Practice (And How You Can Do It)
The Most Rewarding Spiritual Practice (And How You Can Do It) “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11) Chuck Swindoll once wrote, “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture… No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, 61). Perhaps this is surprising to you? I must admit, I’m a novice when it comes to the practice of Scripture memorisation, and have
Youth Camp 2020
We had a great time at BECOME Youth Camp on the Sunshine Coast last weekend! There was plenty of fun, powerful times of worship, and engaging sessions from our speaker, Rev. KJ Tromp, who led us through the story of Joseph as we thought about how God Breaks, Shapes, and Makes his people. It was awesome to see several teenagers make the decision to give their life to Jesus at camp. Camp is a fun, engaging space where many friendships and memories are made, and it is also a powerful opportunity for us to think about what following Jesus really means for us. The Tribe Wars were a big highlight for me! In the Tribe Wars, everyone was split up into tribes which were given a colour and created
