In other words, think of how you would like people to describe you at your funeral and then live that way. If you can consistently live out your preferred eulogy then you will be a success.

Although there is certainly something to be said for this little piece of  wisdom, I would suggest that it is missing the point entirely.

We all want to be well-spoken of by others, but that is not nearly as important as what Jesus will say about us on the great Day of Judgement.

What Jesus will have to say about each one of us on Judgement Day will determine whether we share in the joy and bliss of eternal life in communion with our loving God or we share in the devastation and suffering of eternal death and separation from the loving God.

My earnest prayer is that when you face God in judgement Jesus will not say that you were a good person!

My sincere prayer is that when you face God in judgement Jesus will say that although you were not a good person you did trust in his death in your place and that you are therefore forgiven!

Your Pastor,
Hilton

The groups normally study material that is prepared by myself or Hilton that connects with the Sunday preaching series. In term 1 the Growth Groups will be studying Mark chapters 1-8 along with the sermons.

If you are not in a Growth Group currently please speak to Heather Barnes, Hilton or myself about what might be a good group to be in. We are especially trying to encourage our groups to have diversity – we want to nurture intergenerational fellowship and also get good mixes between the BAC congregations.

If you are curious you can pick up a printed copy of the discussion questions each week at church (or look on the web site). All groups are happy to have “visitors” and we understand that because of work or other commitments it is not always possible to be in attendance every week. May God bless this vital ministry in 2012!

Your Pastor,
Wayne

Please uphold the BAC Kids ministry in your prayers, with Pam Dean as the co-ordinator. Please pray for the teachers who prepare and teach faithfully.

Sunday school is a wonderful addition to the bible teaching, praying and discipling that God asks us to do in our homes. The Bible places the primary responsibility for Christian nurture onto parents. However regular weekly Church and Sunday School attendance build in our children a love for worship, Christian fellowship, and growth. Lifelong habits are instilled only if they are built on the foundation of committed constancy.

I commend BAC Kids and all our ministries to children and youth in our church to your prayerful support!

Your Pastor,
Wayne

What are the blessings of understanding what is happening to God’s people around the world?

Firstly, it is Scriptural to stand side by side with those who bear the name of Christ. Hebrews 10:33 says:  “Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.” Even when we are not exposed to persecution we are commended for standing by those who are.

Secondly, it invigorates our faith to see the cost that Christian’s bear for the name of our Saviour. Rather than being depressing, it is exciting and confidence building to know what is happening. It spurs us to bold evangelism. It puts our struggles in perspective.

Thirdly, we can do much to help the suffering church. We can pray. We can provide financial support. We can write letters to our own Government leaders. We can support Christian immigrants from such backgrounds as they arrive in Australia.

I commend the work of Barnabas Fund and support of all persecuted Christians.

Your Pastor,
Wayne

Confirmation in the Anglican tradition is a chance for those who were
baptised previously (usually as an infant) to publicly affirm their love
and faith in Jesus and to “confirm” the promises made when they
were baptised. Hebrews 6 puts “laying on of hands” as an additional
way of initiation to baptism. In confirmation our bishop will lay hands
on each person and pray for them.

Preparation will involve a number of group teaching sessions that I
will be running in April (dates to be confirmed, pardon the pun!).
I would encourage all Christians who have been baptised but not
confirmed to consider taking up this opportunity as a way of publicly
reaffirming allegiance to Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Youth in their
mid-teens who trust in Jesus are especially encouraged to get
confirmed.

Please speak to Hilton or myself for more information, or take one of
the application forms in the foyer.

Your Pastor,
Wayne

The word most commonly used by the New Testament writers to
refer to the church is the noun ekklesia, which simply means
“gathering” or “assembly”.

A crowd of cricket spectators is a church – it is a gathering or
assembly of people to watch a game of cricket.

A Christian church is a gathering or assembly of followers of Christ
to hear from the Father through the Spirit-empowered proclamation
of his Word – whether that is through the preaching, eating and
drinking the Lord’s Supper, baptising, Bible reading, singing,
praying, or conversing over ‘a cuppa’!

Your Pastor,
Hilton

“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” 1 Timothy 4:4

I love summer! I praise and glorify God for the gift of summer.

Every ray of warm light is a reflection of His inexhaustible radiance.
The shade of every beautiful tree is a gift from the wisdom of his
design. Every cool fizzy drink and ice-cream is a taste of the
sweetness of His good character.

No earthly enjoyment is complete until received with thanksgiving to
God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Praise and thanksgiving
leads us to greater joys in God and deeper hunger to spend eternity
with him.

Your Pastor,
Wayne

Growth can happen slowly and require patience. It may be that the struggles we face in the
coming year are ordained by God to grow us closer to Christ and in the fruit of the Holy
Spirit. Thank God now for the challenges he is sending you in the coming year.

A new year is a great time to set goals or some new commitments that will nurture our
growth in Christ.

* Do we need to read the Bible more?
* Are there great Christian books we’ve always wanted to read?
* Are we praying with our spouse and children?
* Are you in a Growth Group (BAC small group)?
Growth requires individual discipline as well as participation and fellowship with other
Christians.
Without growth in the Christian life, we stagnate. We cannot remain still or rest on our past
record.
* What has hindered your growth in 2011 that you need to cut off?
* What will most help you grow in your love and joy in Jesus Christ?

Pursue it!

Your Pastor,
Wayne