BPPC News - 9th December 2018

Dear Friend,

Welcome to our BPPC eNews.

Warning!

As the holiday season approaches we receive daily warnings from the media to "drive slower", or "use sun-screen and hats for the sun" plus lots of others.

No Holidays for the Devil

One group that doesn't take holidays is the devil and his angels (demons). Rest assured that they are at work, mostly through people who unknowingly serve the devil and often don't even believe in him.. There may be a "lull" in his attacks but that's often a ploy to make us sloppy in our spiritual warfare, stop being vigilant, get caught out and "fall" when he comes in like a flood. He tried this on Jesus - and failed! So put on the armour of God daily, even over the "holidays."

The Saddest Death

How sad when a soldier is killed by his own weapon. Have you ever thought that the devil (deceiver) might try to use the Bible to lead you down wrong paths? He tried it with Jesus - and failed. Why? Because Jesus had a "global view of Scripture", perceived the deception and responded with a corrective verse. So "search the Scriptures," hide them in your heart and use them as "the sword of the Spirit" during your holidays.

We want to see you "alive and well on planet earth" in 2019.

Now enjoy this week's eNews and God bless you abundantly,
Pr André & Newsroom Team

From the Pulpit

Morning Service - 9:30 am

This morning our Pastor will speak from Luke 1:67-79 on "Benedictus (Zacharias' Song)." Waiting! Expecting an eBay order, tracking it, checking and nothing? Imagine poor Zacharias waiting for 9 months without being able to talk to anyone! And finally John arrives, his tongue is loosed and Zacharias speaks; not, "Phew! I'm glad it's over" nor "Look at Johnnie!" But rather he sings to the Lord about His plan, provision and person. Come learn about these 3 Ps in the song "Benedictus" and how they should change us all this Christmas.

Baptism

During this morning's service we will celebrate the sacrament of baptism with the baptism of Cooper David Hopkin. Come and rejoice with Matty, Margo, Cooper’s grandparents and great-grandparents on this great occasion as we see God’s covenant promises displayed again.

Evening Service - 6:00 pm

This evening Johann Vorster will preach from Psalm 69:1-36 on the theme, "Zealous for the House of God.” God will by no means allow those who wait on Him to be put to shame. Often it may seem that the church is on its back foot in a world which is quickly abandoning any semblance of Christianity. Yet we still wait on the Lord knowing full well that He will put all things right. As we look at the cross we see Jesus surrounded by enemies, weary, sorrowful, yet knowing that God would remain faithful as He does even to this day.

Rather than a long list of names to pray for, stop for a minute and think of two people in our church family that you know need prayer. Now spend 5 minutes praying for their spiritual, physical and emotional needs and that God's presence might be real to them. (P.S. George Errickson is in and out of hospital for tests with a bladder/urinary tract infection.)

Lucinda Windeatt

God has answered prayer for a married couple to join us in Weberek to model Christian marriage and for a Christian man to connect with the men and male youth in Weberek. In early September Brazilian friends, Moyses & Josie Xavier, whom I have known since 2007, began visiting Weberek with Alina & I to minister God’s love. Read more...

Richard Wilson

Thank you for upholding us in prayer at the Throne of Grace. As is often the case when a season of ministry commences in India, foreboding grips my soul, but within a few days that foreboding dissipates into a working engagement and even joyful happiness in the deeply satisfying work that we have become part of. Read more...

Lauren Crase - Coming Soon

Lauren is winding up her time in East Timor, and looking for a replacement to fill her shoes when she returns to Australia around the 19th December. Please pray for her as she packs, says her good-byes (always sad and often tearful) and seeks to find her feet once again back here in Australia.

Men's Breakfast - Ladies Invited

Well, we men have changed our minds again! Now, on Wednesday 19th December we will finalize our year with a "normal" breakfast and the ladies are invited too. Following bacon, eggs, etc we will dig into John 6:22-71.

Christmas Story - 22nd Dec.

"Mosaic", a production of Alabaster Theatre (Good News Company), is a live-action Christmas experience like no other; a theatrical adventure for the whole family. Based on a true story of an ancient prophecy, a corrupt King and a courageous couple who embark on a dangerous journey. Misunderstood by their people, they carry hope for their nation and the world. Read more...

Christmas Concert

Come along and bring a friend or neighbour on Sunday 23rd December at 6:30 pm for a night of celebrating Christ's coming. Items and a message from the Pastor will all focus on our amazing Lord and the truth that "He is not here, but risen!" There will be a bring-and-share supper in the hall after the concert. Please take a flyer after church and spread the news.

What's on the Agenda?

Click here and Pray for the next 15 events on our BPPC Calendar. You'll also get information about speakers, location, and times so please make use of our it and don't be "in the dark" any longer about what's going on.

Annual Report Time

Annual reports are due again, so all group leaders should have started to put pen to paper, or hand to mouse, to tell what God has done this year and where you believe He is taking you and your team next year. Everyone is waiting to read your team's story! Please send them to André as soon as possible.

Christmas Hamper

Praise God that rain has put out a number of bush fires but we hope nothing has put out your enthusiasm to share with our Firies and Ambos via the Christmas hampers being filled for them. Please bring non-perishables now and semi-perishables on Sunday 16th December. Read more...

Young at Heart Christmas Morning Tea

The Young at Heart will have their Christmas Get-Together next Friday, 14th December at 9:30am here in the Church Hall. Don't forget a small gift (up to $5.00). Read more...

"Be-an-Andrew" - Training

Christian Life and Witness Course - This course will be run here in our own church building by the visiting Graham Tour personnel on Saturday, 12th January 2019 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. We will finish the training with a bring and share lunch. Please let Johann know if you want to join the course. You can also spread the news to Christian friends who may be worshipping at another church in our area as they are also welcome to attend. There is NO cost involved. Watch video.

Declare God's Goodness!

"Tell what great things the Lord has done for you," were the words of Jesus to a converted lunatic. Imagine the impact of his story at home. How about impacting us all with something the Lord has done for you this year? His intervention, healing, solution to a problem, opening some Scripture to you. Send your story to bobharvey@bppc.org.au to encourage others.

The Ginger Factory

Donald Geddes writes, "A generation ago School Curricula were based on a framework of our Christian heritage. Not any more! Not only is any mention of anything Christian totally missing, but a new “religious” framework pervades all school studies and that is Environmentalism. Read more...

News in Brief

Kids R.O.C.K and Youth Group are celebrating their end of year activities next Friday at 6:30 and 7:00 pm respectively.
Membership class continues as usual this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 pm.
Angel Tree - Please see Johann this Sunday to confirm your involvement to bring joy to some child in our area this Christmas, and maybe have an opportunity to sow the seed of the Gospel.
Home Groups will be in recess during the school holidays, so please check with you leader if you need further information.
Keep up with Christian News by reading The Christian Post. Read about opposition to Ken Ham's Ark Encounter here.

9th December 2018