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A message from the Senior PastorThis ANZAC weekend we remember those who have served their country in the military and especially those who gave their lives in that service. While there have always been conflicts in the world, those in the Middle East have raised again the horrors of war in a particularly poignant way. Military casualties, civilian casualties, refugees, and the destruction of critical infrastructure - not to mention the trauma and hardship that comes afterwards - are all front and centre. We are right, I think, to honour those who serve in the military and to remember those who have died in order that others might be free. However, our true hope is in the one who will end all wars and rid the world of the injustice, greed, corruption, and hatred that starts them in the first place. As it says in Micah 3:3-4, “He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for stong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig-tree, and no-one will make them afraid, for the LORD Almighty has spoken.” This is our hope. May it by our prayer this weekend as we remember. |
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Elder Editorial1 Peter 2:2-3 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. What is this "pure spiritual milk" we need to hunger for? The word "pure" simply means undiluted or uncontaminated. The word used to describe this milk in the original Greek is logikon gala, literally “logical milk”. It shares a root with the word logos, "the word." This phrase is sometimes translated as "pure milk of the word," as in the NASB. Logikon gala becomes the milk of the Word, milk to be found in the Word. In the Greek, it’s an imperative. That means, it’s a command. He commands us, verse 1, to lay these sins aside “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” He commands us, verse 2, to have a desire for God’s Word. So, this command means we must learn to crave the undiluted word of God, as a newborn craves milk. Peter has already made clear that God has secured our salvation (1:3–5), that we are being saved (1:9), and that we will receive salvation fully when Christ is revealed (1:5). For now, taking in the "milk" of God's Word is the intended path of spiritual growth. All Christians are to crave this milk like newborns, even the mature believers. No Christian reaches the point on this side of eternity where spiritual growth is completed. Just like a baby desires milk, so you should desire God’s Word. If you don’t have a hunger and a desire for God’s Word, I invite you to pray for it. Greg Williams | Elder |
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Mother's DayThis Mother's Day take a look at Baptist World Aid's Better World Gifts to find a card for your mum that is truly meaningful. Mother's may like a $20 card for a Veggie Patch or $60 card for Safe Birth and there is even a $5 card for hand sanitiser.
There are options for a physical card or an ecard.
Remember too to consider the Chocolate scorecard when you buy chocolate this Mother's Day
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Worship NightGBC is hosting the second Shire Prayer and Praise Night on Thursday 14th May at 7pm! Invite a friend or come along and connect in community, everyone is welcome!
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Lounge Lending LibraryOur Lounge Lending Library (LLL) is for everyone to use. Yes there are a couple of books that are for sale (see Sonia Beresford to pay cash or card). They are Jesus Calling, Jesus Always, Jesus Listens, some Minecraft books, Beginners Bible and Storybook Bible. Everything else is free. So browse all 3 shelves; top shelf is mostly Bible material and tracts; 2nd shelf is biographies, devotionals and non-fiction: bottom shelf is full of Christian fiction. Take what you like, there’s no time limit or records. Any new books or recommendations, see me. No dumping please. |
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Thursday Zoom Prayer Meeting
Every Thursday | 7:30PM-8:00PM | Via Zoom |
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Family NewsIf you have something for Family News, contact office@gymeabaptist.org.au or call on 9521 4611. |
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Alpha Commencing 17th MayGBC will be hosting an Alpha course, commencing on 17th May. Alpha is a great opportunity to explore faith for yourself or with a friend or relative who might be interested in asking some questions. My invitation to you today is to start wondering… do you have questions about faith you’d like to explore, or is there someone in your world that might? |
