Silkstone Baptist Church in Silkstone | Community organisation

Silkstone Baptist Church

Locality: Silkstone

Phone: +61 7 3812 3033

Address: 169 Blackstone Road 4304 Silkstone, QLD, Australia

Website: http://www.silkstone.org.au

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25.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read 1 Peter 2:4-10 THE PROBLEM WITH CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY... 11th September, 2020 The problem with cultural Christianity is that Christians are looking more like culture than like Christ. What do I mean? Well, it wasn’t long ago that calling yourself a Christian was socially beneficial. Going to the right church could even land you a good job or access to the right social circles. Whether you truly followed Christ or not, it was advantageous to identify as a Christian even if you were a cultural Christian. Not so today. In fact, in many areas of society, it may even be viewed negatively to identify as a follower of Jesus too old fashioned, conservative, or narrow-minded. Faced with so much opposition, how do we respond to this rapidly changing culture? This is where our identity becomes key. Who are we in Christ? Peter offers us a few powerful descriptors: chosen, royal, holy. You see, our identity is not built upon what we DO our career, our social circle, our accomplishments but on what has been done FOR us. This is the good news of the Gospel! We’ve been rescued by God’s love and grace. Salvation is through Christ alone. And when we recognize this incredible gift and choose to follow Christ it changes our identity. We begin to view life as a temporary layover on the journey to an eternal home with Christ. So, the current economic environment, the complex social issues plaguing the nation, and all the pain and suffering on a global scale: it’s not the end of the story. Through Christ, we have an incredible hope even in the face of economic or political uncertainty and fear. It’s time to embrace our true identity in Christ as a picture of God’s love and grace. It’s time for our words and actions to be a voice of hope in a culture consumed by fear. It’s time to replace this cultural Christianity for the real thing. Are you ready? Trust in Jesus and embrace the gift of a new identity firmly grounded in what He has done for you! Adapted from a sermon by Senior Pastor George Wright Shandon Baptist Church, Colombia, S.C.

24.01.2022 How can Jesus be our sacrifice explained in 99 seconds.

24.01.2022 Pastor Phil is taking some annual leave and will be back hosting morning devotions on September 28th.

23.01.2022 Today's Devotion Read Matthew 17:14-23 FAITH IN REAL LIFE... October 9, 2020 Have you ever had an incredible spiritual experiencean extraordinary time of worship, or a mission trip where God moved in a big way? Everything seems amazing. Until you get home. Suddenly, everything that can go wrong does. That incredible spiritual high, that amazing God encounter feels long gone. What happened? The real world came crashing back in problems, challenges, and bumps along the road cause that mountain top experience to seem like a distant memory. In the Gospel of Matthew, the disciples of Jesus had a similar experience. They had just been used mightily by God when they meet a man they could not help. That man’s life had been hit hard. He was a desperate father whose son had been tormented by seizures and no one knew what to do. Even Jesus’ own disciples were helpless. Exhausted, stressed, and fearful, this father fell to his knees in front of Jesus desperate for help. The situation seemed bleak. And yet, this turned out to be just the right moment a turning point in this man’s faith journey. It was also a crucial point in the disciples’ faith journey. Often, it takes coming to the end of ourselves for real faith to begin. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve lain awake just overwhelmed by all the needs in the church, in this city. Falling on my knees, often in the middle of the night, I come to a point where I say, God, the job is just too big. It’s in those moments that I feel the spirit of the Lord seep back in. And that’s the hope we have today. It’s at the point where we’ve come to the end of our strength, our knowledge, our options that God can really start moving. This happened in the story of the father and his son. When life’s challenges almost crushed this family, Jesus healed the boy. And the same is true for us. Have you reached a point of desperation like this father? Have you, like the disciples, become too self-sufficient, feeling that faith in Jesus yesterday is enough for today and yet, suddenly you are powerless? Perhaps it’s time to fall on your knees before Jesus and cling to His supernatural power especially when you feel powerless.

23.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read Matthew 5:8 PURITY DOES IT STILL MATTER?... October 13, 2020 Purity seems to be a lost cause in our culture today. Who even talks about it anymore? Isn’t this an old school, old fashioned conversation? Is it even possible to walk in purity in a culture that seems obsessed with flaunting impurity everywhere we turn? We are the sexually enlightened generation. We have redefined marriage and today, there are shows on network television that wouldn’t have been allowed on late-night cable ten years ago. Here are a few examples of new cultural ‘norms.’ Porn: In spite of the research showing how devastating pornography is to relationships and sexual health, porn usage is at an all-time high. Roughly half of all internet searches are porn-related. Smartphones and high-speed internet have only brought porn closer to home, now almost considered normal behavior. Living Together: Cohabitation is at an all-time high. A recent article in The Atlantic reports that over the last 50 years, the number of couples living together before marriage has increased by 900%. Today, the majority of couples getting married have already lived together. In 2012 two-thirds of all couples who got married lived together for more than 2 years before tying the knot. Unwed Mothers: For the past few years, just under 50% of all children born in Australia have been born to single-parent families. If a child is growing up in a home where mom and dad are married, they are now in the minority. This is not about laying on a guilt trip. This is to show a snapshot of how things are changing in our culture as we place very little value on purity. So, why are we even talking about this at all? Because Jesus did. Jesus spoke very clearly and candidly about the importance of purity. When Jesus addressed purity, He never bashed anyone for their decisions, their history, or their baggage. His message was always delivered with compassion and grace while leading to the all-important question: Do you want to see God? Do you want to know God’s plan for your life? Do you want to know what God desires for you? Do you want to see God’s best for your life? Then walk in purity. It’s the pure in heart who will see God. Jesus points us to a very important truth: sexual impurity clouds our vision and leads us to doubt God’s best for our lives. Those who walk in purity can see clearly that God’s way is the best way for us to live. Jesus is inviting us to walk in purity, in a culture that mocks and belittles those who choose to do so. And yet, Jesus says it is purity that leads to clarity. It is purity that invites us to see God at work in our lives. So the question is, do you want to see God? Adapted from a sermon by Senior Pastor, George Wright, Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, S.C

23.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read: 2 Peter 3:8-10 THE INVITATION OF MERCY...Continue reading

22.01.2022 Todays Devotions Read - Philippians 4:10-20 (focus verse 12-13) GOD ALWAYS MEETS OUR NEEDS... November 10, 2020 Sorting through your yearly expenses can be a sobering experience. Believe me, I have been there, especially when our boys were in college. First, I paid the MasterCard bill, and then my quarterly estimated state and federal taxes. This was followed by an exorbitant check for out-of-state college tuition, which had risen 17% that year. (At that point, I imagined a giant vacuum cleaner in the sky, sucking up all our money.) Next, I checked on our retirement account, noting it had dropped double digits for the third year in a row. Slowly, this sinking feeling of despair began to creep over me. I must admit that I walked around pretty discouraged for a few days. Then the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. It was like the Lord was saying, Didn’t you have enough to pay all your bills? Haven’t I met all of your needs? Haven’t I ALWAYS met all of your needs? What makes you think that after all these years of so-called spiritual maturity that I’m no longer going to meet your needs? Let me tell you something: that was very convicting. And then the Lord said to my heart, Bryant, it never was yours in the first place. Whether you’re riding high one year or down in the dumps the next, that’s My decision. It has always been My decision. It has never been yours. I’m just interested in you striving to manage, to the best of your ability, what I entrust to you. And trust Me to take care of the rest.

22.01.2022 Prayer meeting today at 3pm. Come join us in the hall as we pray for the community and our church. All are welcome!

22.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read: Nehemiah 7:1-3 WHAT LEGACY WILL YOUR LIFE LEAVE BEHIND?... November 20, 2020 As you think of the future, what will you leave behind? In terms of inheritance, will it be stocks and bonds? Property? An impressive, investment-worthy art collection? As important as planning for the future is, there is one aspect that so many fail to recognize. Every day, you’re creating a legacy that will live well beyond your death. More than any physical riches you pass onto others, it’s your character that will linger long after your life on earth has ended. So, the question to ask yourself is this: what story will your character tell? Unquestionable character is one of the greatest gifts that we can leave our heirs. And yet, in the focused pursuit of amassing financial wealth, far too many fail to develop honesty, responsibility, compassion, or love for God and their fellow man into the lives of their kids. If you want to leave behind a legacy of strong character, it starts with you. The way you live is the best example, because character is more easily caught than taught. You can’t leave a greater gift than teaching the next generation how to live with integrity and unquestionable character. Wouldn’t you like to know that your life will be remembered for more than money? What a legacy to have our kids reflect on our lives and say, My Mom and Dad kept God in the center of our family life and it showed. They are the finest people I’ve ever known.

22.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read: 2 Samuel 11 WITH GREAT AUTHORITY COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY... November 12, 2020 First came the adultery, then the coverup. Involving deceit, lies, and eventually murder, David’s affair with Bathsheba is a familiar story in the life of King David one, I’m sure he’d rather us forget. While it offers a clear lesson in what not to do, this story also highlights the incredibly high moral standard to which God holds those in authority. Did you ever notice that despite the horrendous consequences of what appeared to be a consensual act, the Bible’s perspective seems to only condemn David? What about Bathsheba? She too, took part didn’t she? After all, she was a beautiful woman, and beauty is a great power in a woman. Don’t kid yourself, Bathsheba was aware of that power when she bathed outside by the moonlight, knowing that the King was in town and her husband wasn’t. Even so, the Bible lays the responsibility of this sin on David, showing that the person in authority is the one held responsible for the deed. David was the man in power. He was the King, and he had the major responsibility for this sin no matter how cooperative Bathsheba may or may not have been. He used his power and authority over her to bring this sin to fruition and, therefore, he was held fully accountable. Yes, it takes two to commit the act, but the one in power is always the most responsible.

21.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read Psalm 34:9-22 PURITY REMEMBERING GOD’S GOODNESS... October 15, 2020 Hollywood, advertising, music, laptops, smartphones sexual temptation is everywhere. For those striving to live in purity, how do we navigate this road? What can we do? The Bible shows us that purity is always a heart issue. With this in mind, let’s look at three basic truths about the goodness of God, the One who is calling us to purity. Truth #1: God is for you. He is a good father. All His ways are good and all He does is for our good. He wants us to experience His best for our life. The first sin planted a tiny seed of doubt in Adam and Eve’s mind, doubting the goodness of God. God does not want me to have any fun. God is holding out on me. God does not care about my desires. If we doubt the goodness of God, we end up compromising and settling for a cheap alternative of what God has created. Trust and believe that God is for you and His way is the best way. Truth #2: Purity of heart is an invitation not an exclusion. The enemy of God wants us to believe that living in purity means missing out. Here is my response: You are missing out. You’re missing out on baggage and pain. Sexual sin causes external consequences and internal damage. With each sexual exchange, we leave behind a part of ourselves. The enemy wants to cause pain. His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus wants us to experience abundant life and God’s best. His mission is to seek, save, and restore. Which sounds better to you? Truth #3: There is hope in Jesus. In today’s culture, a conversation around purity may appear hopeless. Look back on your own sexual history. Do you have regrets? Do you feel hopeless? In the eyes of the Savior, there is no such thing as a hopelessly lost cause. In Jesus, there is always hope! There is redemption. There is forgiveness. There is grace and there is mercy. In Jesus, there is new life, a new story, and a new heart of purity that is invited to see God. Don’t let the lies of impurity distort your view of God. Hold onto God’s goodness and trust that the promises of God’s Word are for you! Adapted from a sermon by Senior Pastor, George Wright, Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, S.C.

21.01.2022 Please join us for our service today (20 September). Have a great Sunday!

20.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read: 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 DO YOU FIND JOY IN YOUR WORK?... October 7, 2020 The story is told of a woman who cleaned the same office building for many years. When asked how she endured the drudgery of doing the same chores day in and day out, she replied, It’s not drudgery. I’m working for the King and He’s pleased (along with others) when I do my best. This woman found the secret to meaningful work. How about you? When was the last time you found joy in your work? The Bible gives us a key, Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. When we work for the Lord and serve other people, any honorable work has meaning. It all depends on your attitude. Are you anticipating another day of drudgery? If so, that’s probably what you’ll get. But if you’re planning to live this day to please God and to serve your fellow man, you may be surprised at how the drudgery is replaced by joy and meaning. So, let us honor the working people, let it be our prayer that we will find the secret to meaningful work.

20.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read 1 Peter 2:11-25 (focused on verse 24) NO ONE IS BEYOND FORGIVENESS... November 8, 2020 Believe it or not, condemning others is not our mission. Unfortunately, we Christians have a pretty good track record of condemning sins, particularly those in which we are not currently participating! But do you realize that God calls us to embrace the spirit of Jesus? In other words, while we are to hate sin, we are to love the sinner. Anyone who is a sinner (which, by the way, includes ALL of us) can take great comfort in this fact: the Gospel clearly states that Christ paid the penalty for our sins. Anyone who confesses and repents of their sins will receive forgiveness and salvation. Recognize that Christ did not die just for certain big sins or little sins, as we sometimes like to classify them, but for all sins. So, don’t worry that your life has been too sinful or that your past is so very horrid that you are beyond the power of the cross. And most importantly, never judge others as being beyond forgiveness because of their sin. The cross of Jesus Christ is stronger than any sin! Yes, Christians must stand firm against sin, but we completely fail in our duties if we do not pair that bold stance with the proclamation that the cross of Christ is big enough to cover any sin. Why? Because the cross is really a story of extraordinary love that’s available to all, no matter our past sins, regrets, or baggage. So, rather than just condemning, why don’t we love others while pointing to the life-changing forgiveness available at the cross and let God do the rest?

18.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read: Matthew 5:21-26 GOD’S STANDARDS ARE HIGHER... 30 September, 2020 When reading the Ten Commandments, God does seem to be quite clear. For example, He tells us that we shouldn’t murder. Most all of us breathe a sigh of relief on this one, knowing we’ve probably never actually killed anyone. (I can hear you exclaiming, Hey, I got one right! as you check one off the list.) While that commandment does seem to be clear-cut, Jesus has raised the bar. He explains how God’s standards are even higher than man’s. In fact, not only is murder a sin, but thinking about it is also! Now this is a little tougher than the first reading of the Ten Commandments. Jesus tells us that God weighs whether or not our heart and our thoughts are in line. If we lose our cool with our fellow man and we start calling them names, we’re in danger of hell because we have broken this commandment on murder! Now that seems unfair doesn’t it? But Jesus is clear. God doesn’t just judge us by our actions, but also by our thoughts and hearts’ desires. Now who among us can pass that test? None of us. Fortunately Jesus has paid your penalty. And all you have to do to accept this sacrifice is to agree to turn your life over to Him and accept His priceless gift of forgiveness. The Ten Commandments remind us that we all are in need of a Savior.

18.01.2022 Good morning Silkstone! Please join us for our service today (Sunday 27 September).

17.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read Ephesians 5:21-33 Emphasis on verse 21&31... TILL DEATH DO US PART October 1, 2020 This next statement really got my attention: Every single day of the year in Australia, more than 110 marriages end in divorce. An average of 50 percent of the children in Australia’s public schools live in single-parent homes. Of the nation’s children who live apart from their biological fathers, 50 percent have never set foot in their father’s home. Sometimes, when I’m performing a wedding ceremony and we are reciting the vow till death do us part, I realize that, in reality, the marriage outlook is more often, Till death or until we get tired of each other, do us part. What has changed that has made divorce an okay outlet? Is it our advancement in technology? Or our lack of communication? The answer to this selfish, ‘me-first’ mentality is found in our verse today from Ephesians. Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. What does it mean to be subject to? Well, be subject to is an old military term in the Greek. It means to rank under; it means someone has authority over another. God’s solution to the ‘me-first’ focus is found in this rather militaristic phrase. How so? By both the husband and the wife putting each other first. It means concentrating on the needs of the family rather than the urges of the individual. After all, that’s what you signed up for when you promised before God, till death do us part. Are you and your spouse struggling right now? With so much spinning out of our control, maybe it’s time to refocus on the One who IS in control. Carve out some time this week to reconnect with one another. Listen, apologize, and pray. And ask God to help you re-position Christ as the center of your marriage, and for the strength to face today, together.

17.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read Philippians 4:10-20 THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT... Ocotber 6, 2020 One phone call. That’s all it takes to turn a life upside down. Everyone has a story of life spinning out of control. Maybe it was an accident, a call from the doctor, a relationship that ended, or an unexpected layoff. We know that everything can change in an instant. It can all be gone tomorrow. And if it IS gone, will we still be happy? No, this is not a trick question. Life is uncertain. We are not in control. If being in control is the only way to be happy, then we are destined for a life of chasing temporary happiness in things that fade as quickly as they are found. The apostle Paul talks about finding true happiness, true contentment, that lasts through the ups and downs of life. True happiness is not about what we have, but what God has done for us. Our happiness is in the Provider, not in the provision. Our happiness is in the Giver, not in the gifts given. Think about it. Everything we have is a gift from God. The ability to earn income comes from Him. The economy that keeps our investments stable is from Him. The health that we experience today is from God. Is there contentment in your life? True happiness is found by those who acknowledge and daily live in the reality that they are dependent on God. If you’ve been seeking happiness in all the wrong places, spend time today putting your trust back in the one who provides, not in the things He provides. Adapted from a sermon by Senior Pastor, George Wright, Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, S.C.

16.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read Luke 15:11-32 THE PICTURE OF REDEMPTION... November 19, 2020 There’s a wonderful scene in the parable of the prodigal son when the wayward son finally comes to his senses and begins the long walk home. What does the father do, the moment that he spots his missing son? He runs and embraces him, full of joy and celebration. Now, that’s a picture of redemption! Jesus is telling us what it’s like to come home when we confess our sins and finally come back to the Lord. I know that’s the point. But, I also think it’s a beautiful picture of finally coming home to heaven, after the weariness and demands of this very difficult life and world. When that day finally arrives and we do come home to heaven, our Heavenly Father will be there, ready to meet us with open arms. He’ll be full of joy, with tears in His eyes, as a Father witnessing the long-awaited return of His child. And that’s when the celebration begins. It’ll be a celebration that lasts for eternity because heaven will be like returning home. It’ll be like home is supposed to be. So, I ask you my friends, when your days in this life are done, will you be able to go home? Come home, come home. Ye who are weary, come home. Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling calling, oh, sinner come home.

15.01.2022 Good morning Church! Please join us for our Communion service today (Sunday 4 October).

15.01.2022 Todays Devotions Please Read John 16:25-33 FAITH vs. FEAR... 29 September, 2020 In Numbers 13, the nation of Israel was standing just beyond the promised land. After years of seeing God move in miraculous ways, they were finally right there so close, they could literally see it! But they had a choice to make: trust God to fulfill His promise and give them the land or cower to fear and remain in the wilderness. Now, the Israelites were no stranger to God-sized miracles, provision, and victory in the face of overwhelming odds. They had been rescued by God from slavery in Egypt, crossed the Red Sea on dry ground, and experienced God’s manna as they wandered through the wilderness. Yet, as they stood outside the land promised to them by God, they hesitated. What stopped them from entering? Fear. Instead of remembering how God had repeatedly rescued them from Pharaoh’s powerful army, they focused on the size and strength of the giants inhabiting the land. Rather than recalling God’s daily presence leading them through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21 ) and providing enough manna each day for every individual to have their fill, they focused on the fortified walls surrounding the land. So what happened? Moses sent 12 spies to investigate the land, and all but two came back certain that possession of the land was impossible (even though it had already been promised to them by God). The people gave in to their fear. Israel suffered 40 more years in the wilderness as a result of their choice. Similar to the Israelites standing on the brink of the promised land, followers of Jesus today will face circumstances that require us to choose between moving forward in faith or remaining stuck in fear. It doesn’t take long to begin to feel overwhelmed by national and international challenges and obstacles. COVID-19 is a global pandemic. Racial tensions are elevated. It is an election year in the QLD. Poverty, war, nations in unrest, the list goes on and on. Fear abounds, but as Jesus followers, we are called to a different way. So, how can we choose to walk in faith, while surrounded by so much to fear? Remember that we can know God, who is with us through Jesus. Israel never walked alone in the wilderness. Whether by fire, cloud, or the Ark of the Covenant, God is always with His people. Remember God’s faithfulness. In Deuteronomy chapters 1 through 4, Moses recounted all that God had done for Israel on their journey as a means to encourage them in their future. Take time to remember God’s faithfulness in your past. How has God shown up for you? Provided for you? Protected you? Trust that He will do the same in your future. No matter how big your problem, how big your challenge, how big your difficulty, or how big your enemy, God is bigger. God is stronger. God is more powerful, and God is with you.

14.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read John 6:60-71 MORE THAN A MEAL TICKET... November 30, 2020 I remember as a teen calling myself a Christian. I believed Jesus was God’s Son, but my life was all about using God. I wanted Him to meet my needs. Whether it be winning the big game, passing a big test, or wanting things to go well on a big date. It was all about me. God, can you just give me what I want? Like so many who fill churches today, I just didn’t get it. Jesus didn’t come to meet all my personal needs, my physical needs, my materials needs. Jesus didn’t come to be my meal ticket in this life. Yes, Jesus is a compassionate God. He cares about the hurting, the hungry, and the rejected. He cares about our needs. But Jesus Christ’s primary mission was to be the Savior. Our Savior. He came to save us from sin and to make us right with God. And just like in Jesus’ time so many people still don’t get it. They aren’t interested, because people feeling basically good simply don’t see the need for a Savior. After performing miracles of healing and providing a meal for a crowd of thousands, Jesus began to explain who exactly He was and why He came: to be mankind’s Savior. Soon, the people began to leave. They wanted Jesus to be their king, fixing all their problems with health, finances, and fighting against injustice. They wanted Jesus to be their meal ticket, meeting all their material needs. They didn’t understand that Jesus’ purpose was so much bigger. They didn’t get it, so they left. Looking at the twelve disciples, Jesus asked them a question. Do you want to leave too? That’s when Simon Peter answered. Lord, to whom shall we go? Simon Peter got it. Jesus is more than just a quick fix-it for our problems. Jesus is more than a meal ticket He is the Holy One of God, the Messiah. What about you? Are you looking for God to be a ‘quick fix’ for life’s problems? Is your faith only about using God to get what you want? Don’t miss out on the real reason Jesus came to save us from our sins so that we can live out God’s will not our own.

12.01.2022 Join Pastor Phil for a time of sharing in God's word as we start the day. Weekdays (except Wednesday) from 8am - 8.30am. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3693554007... Meeting ID: 369 355 4007... Password: Silkstone One tap mobile +61861193900,,3693554007#,,#,426130# Australia +61871501149,,3693554007#,,#,426130# Australia Dial by your location +61 861 193 900 Australia +61 8 7150 1149 Australia +61 2 8015 6011 Australia +61 3 7018 2005 Australia +61 731 853 730 Australia Meeting ID: 369 355 4007 Password: 426130 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kqf5UpDcU See more

12.01.2022 Today's Devotion Read 2 Corinthians 13:11-14 GRACE BE WITH YOU... November 27, 2020 The Apostle Paul usually ended his letters with the sign-off, Grace be with you. It’s interesting that Paul used this particular phrase because he was probably one of the least likely candidates to accept God’s grace. As a staunch religious leader, Paul’s first career was terrorizing early Jesus followers. He literally persecuted the church and killed first-century Christians. That was his mission until Christ appeared to him, saved him, and forgave him. Perhaps that’s why Paul, more than most, focused on Christ’s incredible grace because he knew just how much he didn’t deserve to be chosen as a child of God. And you know what? None of us do! None of us deserve to have the God of the universe go to a cross and pay that awful penalty for us so that we might be forgiven and have eternal life. Paul’s salutation reminds us that a thriving church will focus on the grace of God that’s found in what Jesus did for us on the cross. A healthy church will emphasize the grace of God, by remembering the price Jesus paid in giving us something that no one deservesforgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. Have you experienced God’s grace in your life?

12.01.2022 Please join us for our Sunday Gathering on 15 November by clicking 'going' to this event and comment in the discussion with the number of household members attending with you. https://fb.me/e/1MtBuzWR1

11.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 DATING ADVICE FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL... 10 September, 2020 Dating has changed. In the world of superficial swiping and countless dating apps the Apostle Paul offers some timeless dating advice: Find a fellow Jesus follower. Why, you might ask? Paul’s exact words in the King James Translation are, Do not be unequally yoked. A yoke is a wooden crosspiece that is fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they are pulling. The imagery is that of two incompatible oxen sharing the same yoke. Instead of working together to pull the load, they would be working against each other. So, if Christ is your priority and you marry someone whose priority is anything other than Christ, over time you’ll find yourselves drifting apart. God’s practical instruction that Christians are to be bound with fellow Christians allows us to be joined together in a deep relationship of love, respect, compassion, and understanding all centered around a common faith in Christ. But that’s not all. If it’s important that believers marry other believers, then that same standard should remain true in dating. Why? Well, we tend to marry the people that we date! Therefore, Christians should be cautious about getting into a serious relationship with anyone not committed to following Jesus Christ. Determine a person’s spiritual commitment right up front by asking and observing their faith lived out. Set clear boundaries early on in your dating life, so you don’t find yourself faced with the decision of choosing a person over Christ.

11.01.2022 Beautiful day worshiping our God.

11.01.2022 Good Morning Church! Please join us for our service today (Sun 11 October).

09.01.2022 Join us for prayer tonight at 7.30pm in the hall. We will be joining together to be praying over our community and our church.

08.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read - Matthew 5:11-12 WHAT IF THE ONLY JESUS SOMEONE SEES IS THROUGH YOU?... October 8, 2020 In the New Testament, before Saul became Paul, he was a religious terrorist persecuting, arresting, and, at times, approving the killing of Christians. What you may not realise is his real hostility was not so much at the church as it was with Jesus. Christians, realize this important point. When you are mocked by others, when you feel excluded by others, when you feel the persecution of others, recognize that these people are not really angry with you as a person. They’re angry because you love Jesus. It’s still true of religious terrorists today. They probably have absolutely no idea, but their battle isn’t with the Christians, per se. It’s because of Who the Christians profess to believe in and His name is Jesus. Whoever it is that gives you a hard time for being a Christian, don’t take it personally. Instead, seek to love them, forgive them, and pray for them. Who knows? Your positive witness to them may convict their hearts of their need of Jesus. They may see in you what they want for themselves.

06.01.2022 Happy Sunday Church! Please join us for our service today (13 September).

06.01.2022 This is a powerful message brought through song. https://www.youtube.com/watch

03.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read Romans 6:1-14 A TIME TO CELEBRATE... October 16, 2020 Flowers, bridesmaids, the white dress we’ve all seen a wedding ceremony. Some are large, formal, five-piece band celebrations in traditional venues; while others are small, intimate beach-side ceremonies celebrated by a few close friends and family. No matter the ‘style,’ every wedding has the same purpose a couple publicly committing their lives to one another. Yet never, not one single time, have I performed a wedding where the couple fell in love during the ceremony. Never have I performed a wedding where the couple decided at the ceremony to commit their lives to one another. The decision was already made. In the same way, baptism is a public expression before God and man of what has already happened in one’s heart and life. Just to be clear. A person is not baptised into faith in Christ Jesus when baptised in water. It’s the moment we decide to trust in Christ, through repentant faith, that we will receive a giftthe Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit dwelling within us. That baptism occurs at salvation. So, what then does water baptism represent? In baptism, we are saying that Christ died for our sins and that we, too, are dying to our life without Christ. We are dying to our sins, to our selfish desires. In baptism, we are testifying to what has already occurreda decision to trust Christ, to follow Him. But, that’s not all. In rising out of the water, we see the symbolic resurrection of Jesus Christ rising from the dead. This represents the second part of the gospel. It testifies that as the water cleanses me outwardly, Christ already cleansed my heart. He has set me free. Now, I have the privilege of following the resurrected Savior forever and ever. Just like a wedding ceremony is a life-changing moment full of hope and celebration, baptism is to be celebrated. Have you publicly celebrated your life-altering, no going back, declaration of what Christ has done for you? It’s only something a follower of Jesus can do. No parent can make that decision for you. It is a choice that results only from saving faith in Jesus.

03.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read 2 Timothy 2:1-13 LEAVING A GOSPEL LEGACY...Continue reading

02.01.2022 Feel free to join us online as we continue our series on The Big Story. We will looking this week at the chapter of redemption. We pray that you are blessed as you join with us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkcBTw3LtRk&t=8s

02.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read James 4:1-12 PURITY A HEART ISSUE... October 12, 2020 Happy are the pure in heart for they shall see God. In the Bible, the heart is the center of our whole being. It’s the core of who we are and the source of what is most important to us. When it comes down to it, the topic of purity is a heart issue. The Bible links purity and the heart to show that those who value God above all else will be revealed in how they live. Purity flows from a heart that has been transformed by the love and grace of God. No matter how hard you try, you cannot disconnect your sexual behaviors from your heart. For this reason, Jesus says that only the pure in heart can see God. James says those with clean hands and a pure heart are able to draw near to God. What does this mean? An impure heart leads us to live in a fog or a haze where we cannot see clearly. Sexual sin clouds our vision and makes us blind, deaf, and dumb to the ways and workings of God. You cannot draw near to God while deliberately walking away from what God says is best for your life. Purity leads to clarity. Impurity leads to double-minded idolatry. Meaning, when our heart and our thoughts are clouded by impurity, it quickly leads to some ungodly logic. I love God, but I love porn more so I will keep the secret habit going. I love God, but I love my boyfriend/girlfriend more so it is fine for us to mess around. I love God, but I love my freedom more. So, I’ll move in with my significant other rather than waiting until marriage, because I am not ready to be tied down and I want to save money. I love God, but I want to do things my way and ignore what God says is important. It just doesn’t make sense. It’s amazing how quickly we can walk away from God’s design and God’s best by concluding that we know better, all the while in this fog of impurity. Simply put, sexual impurity leads to a fog where it is very difficult to see the goodness and glory of God. It is the pure in heart who will see God. However, the good news of the Gospel shows us that purity can be a reality for all who trust in the grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. Our sin can be forgiven and we can be called pure and clean in the sight of God if we will turn from our sin and trust in His grace! Take a moment to honestly examine your heart. Are you lacking spiritual clarity? Are you living in a fog of impurity? Ask God for help surrendering any area where you’re struggling with purity and putting something else before God. Step out on faith and step into the clarity of purity as you trust in the forgiveness and grace of God. Adapted from a sermon by Senior Pastor, George Wright, Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, S.C.

01.01.2022 Todays Devotion Read Romans 1:18-23 THE BEGINNING OF GRATITUDE... November 23, 2020 This is the time of year when we shine a spotlight on gratitude. Being thankful garners more attention in November than it does the rest of the year. News programs have even run special features on the many health benefits of maintaining an attitude of gratitude. Online articles and magazines talk about the importance of being thankful for the little things and keeping a gratitude journal. All of this is well and good, but does it ever seem like something is missing from all the conversation? Culture often talks about thankfulness in a general, abstract manner and pushes God right out of the equation. But if there is no God, then who are we thankful to? Our world has embraced the idea of expressing thanks; it just hasn’t embraced the idea of expressing thanks to the Lord. This doesn’t make any sense. It’s like trying to say, thank you for a gift without saying it to the Giver. This is why the last two words in verse 21 of Romans 1 are so important: to Him. Expressing thanks is a hollow endeavor if it’s not said to Him. Gratitude begins with an awareness of His grace. We must recognize that He is the ultimate source of every blessing in our lives. John, a disciple of Jesus, says it clearly, from the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another (John 1:16). Other translations say, grace upon grace. Each day, Jesus showers us with His grace like one ocean wave after another. Wave after wave of endless grace! James, the half-brother of Jesus, articulates it this way, every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of heavenly lights (1:17). The point is clear. Every gift in our lives comes from a Person, our Heavenly Father. Take a quick inventory of all of the various blessings in your life: family, friends, the places you go, possessions, joyful experiences, your health, your job, etc. The list goes on and on. Consider that each one of these gifts was made to turn your attention to the Giver. But there’s a problem, isn’t there? In our sinful condition, it is far more natural for us to drift away from gratitude than towards gratitude. We fail to recognize our Creator as the source of all of our blessings. We so easily neglect expressing thanks to Him and incidentally take His grace for granted. Sotake a moment to intentionally move towards gratitude. Spend some time thanking the Lord for some of the specific blessings in your life. Remember, genuine gratitude is meant to be far more than a quick, casual prayer before a meal or a flippant acknowledgment of God. Gratitude should be a deep, heartfelt response for the grace and goodness of Jesus in your life. Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director of RFTH

01.01.2022 Today's devotion Read Matthew 12:38-45 MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE... November 13, 2020 Are you sometimes troubled while studying the Bible? Have you ever come across passages that just don’t seem to add up? They might even appear contradictory. It can be very disconcerting because the Word of God just shouldn’t contradict itself right? For instance, in my early days as a Christian, I was troubled by the above passage in Matthew. Now, this really bothered me because no matter how many times I counted, I couldn’t see how Jesus was in the tomb for three nights! It took several years until a teacher explained that first-century writers would count both a day and a night if an event took place on any part of that day or night. So, Jesus died on Friday and was dead for Friday night, Saturday night, and part of Sunday thus it was considered three nights. That insight pulled it all together for me; it finally made perfect sense. In that light I am so thankful that we have the Holy Spirit and wise teachers to help us understand things we don’t see when we first read the Word. That’s why Bible studies are so vitally important and why we need Spirit-filled teachers to guide us. Most of all, that is why we need the Holy Spirit to give us insight into areas that we can’t understand on our own. How are you prioritizing growing in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word?