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Books I Enjoyed in 2018
Books I Enjoyed in 2018 Erasmus, a Dutch theologian from the 1500’s, reportedly said: “When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes.” Though I’m sure he was exaggerating, I’m not sure by how much. The truth is, I can relate (ask my poor wife). I love to read. And I love to read for many different reasons, not least of which because it is one way for me to learn from the knowledge and experience of other saints. Now, I know it’s not exactly the end of the year yet, but we’re getting close. So, I thought I would share with you a few of the most helpful and enjoyable books I have read this year (so
Gospel Amnesia
Gospel Amnesia I think the first time I heard the phrase ‘gospel amnesia’ was while listening to Paul Tripp. The phrase itself describes the experience of forgetting the gospel. Now, I’m wary that some readers may have never heard the word ‘gospel’ before. So, let me fill you in quickly. The word ‘gospel’ is not necessarily a religious word. In fact, gospel simply means ‘good news’ and a gospel could, for example, be a message that a runner would carry into Roman cities to tell them the good news of a military victory. When Jesus came on to the scene 2,000 years ago, he proclaimed a gospel, and this gospel is central to the Christian faith. The gospel message is that Jesus came to deliver us from our enemies
A Hope More Powerful Than Poverty
A Hope More Powerful Than Poverty Silas Irungu was born and raised in Mathare, Kenya’s second largest slum. As a young child, Silas wondered why life was so unfair. He experienced tragedies no child should ever have to experience. He saw things no child should ever have to see. His life was changed, however, when he was sponsored and became a part of the Compassion program. It brought him hope and changed the direction his life and his entire family. This Sunday evening at our 6pm service, Silas will share with us about the amazing story of his life and the amazing work of Compassion. I love being a part of a church where there are so many ways we’re encouraged to give generously to those in need. Through
The Park – Second Stage Proposal
Earlier this year we launched The Park Specialty Coffee. Our vision for this venture was to connect with unchurched people in Genesis and in our local area. The coffee shop is a bridge between us and the other communities around us so that we can continue building relationships, sharing the good news of Jesus, and making disciples. The Park is already beginning to fulfil this vision. We have had families come and ask for service times, some have initiated conversations about Christianity, and still another lady from the public drove into our campus and bought a coffee because she was ‘drawn’ to us. I have spent time doing evangelistic training with the staff and we are also handing out invitations with details of church events to customers. We pray
How should we respond to the legalisation of abortion in QLD?
How should we respond to the legalisation of abortion in QLD? On Wednesday night the Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018 was passed in the QLD Parliament, allowing abortion on request up to 22 weeks and after 22 weeks with consent from two doctors. As followers of Jesus, how should we respond? What follows, while far from comprehensive, is a few simple steps we can take and ways we can respond. We should grieve: When human life is treated as disposable and dispensable, God grieves (Jeremiah 22:3). And so should we. We should allow ourselves time to lament the reality that destruction of human life in the womb has been enshrined in the law of our state. We should pray: We should allow our grief to turn us to prayer.
What if I don’t feel God?
What if I don’t feel God? I’ll never forget the conversation. He sat across from me and quietly muttered: “I’m done, Adam. Everyone else seems to feel God, but I don’t feel anything. I’ve asked for God to reveal himself to me, but he’s silent.” It was gut-wrenching. It was someone I cared about. And sadly, it’s not unusual. I’ve spoken to a number of people through the years who have rejected God because they felt as if God had rejected them. What about you? Have you ever felt badly for not feeling anything? Have you ever thought to yourself: “What’s wrong with me? Why don’t I feel God?” The truth is, if you believe that what it means to be a Christian is an uninterrupted sense of overwhelming
Why Church Membership?
Why Church Membership? Maybe you've heard us talk about church membership here at BPCC, and you wonder what it’s all about? How do you become a member? What are the privileges and responsibilities involved? Well, the short answer is that a member is someone who is ‘ALL-IN’ for both Jesus and his local church here at BPCC. If you want the long answer, you can always come to our next membership course after our morning service on Sunday 28th October. It will run for about two hours and lunch will be provided as well! Membership in a local church is such a blessing for everyone involved. I recently read an article from David Mathis, the Executive Director at desiringgod.org. He made some really good points out the wonderful benefits
Sharing God’s Goodness
Sharing God’s Goodness Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. (Psalm 103:22) People who have experienced God’s goodness, share God’s goodness. At least, this is certainly true of David in Psalm 103. In this song, King David recounts all the kindness of God in his own life and in the life of Israel through the years. David overflows with gratitude to God, and by the end of the Psalm he is calling upon the entire cosmos to worship him (vv.20-22)! It’s as if David was so overwhelmed by the goodness of God that he wasn’t satisfied with worshipping by himself. He wanted everyone to know and love and worship this amazing God as well! This is a great example for us. For we only
