6th January 2019
Dear Friend,
Welcome to our first BPPC eNews for 2019.
What is an NYR?
Generally, NYRs (New Year's Resolutions) are born out of last year's failures. In effect, they are promises to God and new "laws" I make for myself without any provision to be able to keep them. So maybe NYRs aren't such a good idea since we rarely keep them.
Moral Standards
But isn't God looking for a standard of holiness in my life, without which I won't see the Lord? Yes, that’s true but God has already set the standard and it's the life of Jesus and you can’t reach that standard even if you try. Only Christ can produce the life of Christ just as only Michael Angelo can sculpture a statue like Michael Angelo’s because the Spirit of Michael Angelo is in him.
So, What to Do?
Only the "Spirit of Holiness", the Spirit of Christ, can reproduce His life in and through us, and He's that’s the most wonderful resource that God has promised and provided for His children: “I will put my Spirit within you, and you will know the Lord.” So, the key is to “walk in the Spirit” or, in other words, abide in Christ, follow Jesus, look unto Jesus, submit to the Lord Jesus, deny yourself and take up your Cross and follow Him. Promises and resolutions (laws) are of no avail.
Start Walking!
NYRs only highlight weaknesses, take your eyes off Jesus and culminate in guilt and self-condemnation. However, it's still possible to be like Jesus because “it is God who works in you giving you the desire to do His will and empowering you to do it.” Let’s follow Jesus on the “Highway of Holiness” It’s only as wide as His footsteps so walk in them, enjoy the walk and forget about “making resolutions”! If we trip and fall, then confess, let him lift you up and walk on joyfully towards 2020.
Now enjoy this week's eNews and have a blessed new year,
Pr André & Newsroom Team
From the Pulpit
Morning Service - 9:30 am
 This morning Pr André Schwartz will preach from Isaiah 40 to 48 on the theme, “The Problem We Don't Know We Ever Had!” Have you ever had to muster up the courage to tell a friend that they have a bad habit? When you finally tell them, they respond with: "I thought you were a friend - why didn't you tell me earlier?" This morning, Isaiah - via Pr André - will confront us and reveal a problem most of us don't know we even have. But it's not enough to know we have a problem unless there's a solution. So come along and discover our common problem and the wonderful solution.
Evening Service - 6:30 pm
This evening Pr André will preach from Psalm 118 on the theme, “The Chief Cornerstone”. In newspapers or trivia books you often find those annoying pictures: “Spot the difference!" Start searching and you can't stop - at least, I can't. Reading Psalm 118, Luke 19-24 followed by Luke's second book, Acts, we are compelled to play “Spot the difference.” This evening we will do just that, and also consider the implications for our lives…here and now. Why not come along and try to spot the differences yourself, and see the implications?
 Christmas and New Year, while two of the most joyous seasons of the year, can also be the most dangerous for Christians and non-Christians alike. Excesses of all kinds (drink, immorality, speed, food, spending, etc) can sneak up on us and compromise our lives and our walk with the Lord.
So, "watch and pray for one another," and the lost in our country, that like the Prodigal Son people will come to themselves, repent and draw near to the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ.
 Ron Clark Promoted to Glory
"You may or may not be aware that Ron went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on 30 December 2018. His funeral will be held at Creek Road Presbyterian Church, Fursden Road, Carina on Wednesday, 9th January 2019 at 10 am followed by a morning tea provided by PresCare. Ron's family would appreciate those ministers attending to follow behind the coffin as it proceeds out of the church at the end of the service." Read a short biography here.
 Roster Information Needed
Team Leaders... Please send your rosters for term 1 to Pr André as soon as possible, and for the whole first semester (terms 1 and 2) if you can, otherwise, people won't know what they are supposed to do and when they are supposed to do it. Thank you in anticipation.
 What's on the Agenda?
If you're like me you'll need a calendar to remind you what's coming up next in 2019. Our BPPC calendar can be viewed by day, week, month, or posterboard - choose your preference. You won't miss a meeting again if you go here regularly by bookmarking the address.
 Where is Everybody?
Some have gone North, others South, East or West so that's why our activities in all departments are in recess till after school holidays. So, use your spare time well by "searching the Scriptures" or reading a good book in preparation for 2019.
 Outstanding Annual Reports
Some outstanding reports are still outstanding. Please post them to Pr André at minister@bppc.org.au or give him your printed copy as soon as possible because our ACM is just around the corner and he needs to collate them in time. Thank you to those who have handed theirs in.
 Wanted - More Andrews!
Next Saturday, 12th Jan. at 9:30 am the Christian Life and Witness Course will be initiating in our hall. We need more people so we can plan the day well so please see Johann after the service or advise him of your participation by email to jvorster@student.qtc.edu.au. There will be a bring-and-share lunch afterwards. Watch video.
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