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Genesis Music Project
The Genesis Project Dear Church, There are few sections of the Bible with such significance, beauty, intrigue, devastation, and drama as the first 11 chapters of Genesis. These chapters record for us the account of creation, the fall of humanity into sin, the flood and deliverance of Noah and his family, and the tower of Babel. Not to mention the fact that they introduce us to God and give us the first hints of God’s plan to save the world through the snake-crushing Son (3:15). In fact, world-renowned theologian J.I. Packer suggests that these chapters reveal for us the grace and mercy of God in a number of key ways: “His goodness and generosity to humans… appears in the dominion he gave mankind at creation and renewed after the
What makes a good leader?
What makes a good leader? Recently, one of our young people interviewed me for a school project on leadership—specifically, what does it take to be a good leader? I think this is an important question, because in different ways and at different times we all need to show good leadership in our lives, and we can all use a reminder of a few key ways we can be a Christ-like leader. A Christ-like leader must be focused on Jesus, and point others toward Him. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul reminds his readers to “follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” We will never be perfect leaders, but Christ is. If we are motivated by a desire to constantly seek him, and we reflect that to those
The Prayer God Loves to Answer Most
The Prayer God Loves to Answer Most I love praying. Admittedly, I know I could spend more time praying. But when I make time to pray, not just a quick prayer while I’m driving or going to sleep, I mean really take time to get on my knees and pray, I am always left feeling closer to God and encouraged by His goodness, love, and faithfulness. Last Sunday, as part of our new series looking at Jesus’ prayer in John 17, the sermon was titled ‘Praying for Glory’. We were reminded that Jesus prayed not to conform God to His agenda, rather Jesus prayed to conform His heart to God’s agenda. When we follow Jesus’ example and focus (or mediate) on Scripture and the truths of God, God is
Going to School at the Hospital
GEMS and Cadets are primary-aged boys and girls ministries at BPCC. We meet every fortnight (during school term) on Thursday evenings at the church to have fun, build friendships, and learn more about our great God. Also, every year the GEMS and Cadets clubs from all over Australia raise money for a specific mission project. This year we are raising some much-needed funds for the Honiara Hospital School in the Solomon Islands. This is a small school built by the Reformed churches of Australia and New Zealand through SWIM, the missions base in the Solomon Islands run by the CRCA. The hospital school is located at the Honiara Hospital (the major referral hospital to all of Solomon Islands). It was built for the children who miss school while they
Fatherhood in Five Words or Less
How would you describe parenting in five words or less? This was the question posed on Twitter recently (#ParentingIn5WordsOrLess)—and it’s fair to say there were a great number and variety of suggestions. Some were heart-warming, some serious, and some seriously funny. Here are a few of my favourites: ‘Is that poop or chocolate?’ ‘It’s quiet, too quiet.’ ‘Because I said so.’ ‘Are we there yet?’ ‘What’s in your mouth?’ ‘Don’t drink the bathwater.’ ‘Why is this sticky?’ ‘Where are your pants?’ ‘Go ask your mother.’ ‘What did your father say?’ ‘Long days, but short years.’ ‘Would do it all again.’ As I read (laughed) my way through these responses, and as I remembered that Father’s Day was coming up, it got me thinking about how the Bible might define
Step into My Shoes
What does it mean to ‘step into someone else’s shoes’? We’ve been asking our Kidz Church children to do just that this term. We’ve been watching video clips of a family living in Uganda to see what life is like for them. And as Pastor Tom, his wife, and 12 children have shown us where they live, how they collect and prepare their food and water, what their church is like, and what they like to do for fun, our children in Australia have been able to step into their shoes, even if just for a moment. We’ve seen a lot of differences between life in Uganda and life in Australia. The children walk to a well to collect water for the family. The water needs to be boiled
Grateful for Another Great Camp
Last weekend at Mt. Tamborine we held our annual Youth Camp, and I’m so grateful to say that it was a great success! We had over 100 young people and leaders on-site, and everyone had a fun and impactful time. The production crew did a great job and the band led us in powerful, genuine times of worship. We had three key speakers who unpacked the biblical truth that as disciples of Jesus we are called, grown and sent. The Spirit of God convinced and challenged many of our young people with a number making the decision to follow Jesus, as well as many deep discussions about our faith and our calling. Praise God! We also got to form closer bonds with the youth from the other Reformed churches
We Need Each Other
Have you ever watched ants work together? As much as they’re a pest when they infest my pantry, I find it incredible the way they work together! I read this week that an ant colony is like a factory. Nestmates work together to convert resources (food) into products, other ants take care of the queen and her brood, while worker ants go outside to gather food and defend the nest against enemies. God truly is an amazing Creator! I don’t write this as a biology lesson, rather a wonderful illustration and example for us. Just as God has created ants to work together, just like they need each other for the colony to thrive, we too need each other for the church to thrive! 1 Corinthians 12 talks about
