One of the ways we respond to God’s invitation to participate in his plans to restore and renew all things is to contribute financially. This act provides a window into the state of our heart. In fact, throughout Scripture, it is the state of the heart that is of greatest interest to God. In Genesis 4, Cain and his brother Abel brought offerings to the Lord. Each brought an offering from their subsequent fields; Cain, a farmer, brought some of the “fruits of the soil” while Abel, a shepherd, brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock.” It is important to note that there has been no command from God to bring him any offerings, nor any instructions about the kinds of offerings would be appropriate. In fact, when the Law was given to Moses much later in the story, there were provisions for both kinds of offerings. There is nothing in the offerings themselves that points to why “the Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favour.” According to the Lord, it wasn’t the kind of offering that Cain brought (as if the Lord was disappointed with grains or vegetables!) but the heart with which the offering was brought. This is evident in what the Lord says to Cain: “Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Tragically, Cain is ruled by the crouching sin and murders his brother. This is a demonstration of the escalating power of sin, but also of what tainted Cain’s offering. It is reminiscent of what Jesus says in Matthew 5:23, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” God isn’t nearly as interested in our offerings as he is in the state of our hearts.
This May, as we seek to raise $200,000 for mission, let us look to our hearts. Let us respond to God’s invitation, not out of a strict sense of duty, but out of gratitude, joy, and hope. Let us look to our hearts and bring an offering that flows from there.

P.S. In unrelated news… From time-to-time people have expressed an interest in attending one of my ice hockey games. Usually, the games are either held at an inconvenient time (we regularly have 10:00 pm starts) or inconveniently located (Erina or Newcastle). This week, however, the Canterbury Eagles (Division 4) are playing at Liverpool Catholic Club with puck drop at 6:15 pm (lasting about an hour). So, consider this your open invitation to attend if you’d like!

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor 

This Weekend

Coming Up

Monday May 18

Embrace Ladies Luncheon | 11.30am | GBC 

“I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself.” — 1 Corinthians 4:3

Lincoln Grice | Elder

Congratulations to Peter Kusch, son of Susan Kusch (Church Council) and grandson of Derek Mullins (GBC Elder) on his engagement last week to his long-time girlfriend Lei Lei.  We wish them every happiness in their future together!

If you have something for Family News, contact office@gymeabaptist.org.au or call on 9521 4611. 

Cake Stall Update

Last Sunday, our GBCKIDS ran a Mother’s Day Cake Stall to raise money for our May Mission Month partnerships. Thank you to everyone who baked and/or purchased a treat and a huge shoutout to our awesome kids for all their hard work serving at the stall!

The bake sale raised $1317!

Return and Earn

A reminder to keep bringing in clean bottles and cans for Return and Earn, another great way for our kids to get involved in May Mission Month. Our purple-lid bin is located near the “Greenhouse” side of the atrium, outside the Kids Hall near the foosball table. 

Email: jackiemartin77@icloud.com

Please continue in prayer for our mission Partner

Mothers Heart: Cambodia

· Thank God that all mums last year chose to parent

· Pray for effective partnerships with authorities and NGOs

· Ask God to strengthen the staff

· Pray for favour for the 54 women who secured employment in 2025

· Financial provision for establishing hubs and empowerment activities

· Peace in Cambodia, especially for those who are displaced

Tearfund: Faith and Wellbeing Project

· Give thanks for graduated students, asking for Gods future guidance

· Ask for deep impact in the lives of current students as they learn

· Ask for insight for Karen Steve and Mandy as they lead

· Consider students' families who stay behind in their communities

· Ask God to bring peace in the Wadeye community

Baptist World Aid Australia: Lebanon

· Safety and security amidst ongoing hostilities and uncertainty.

· Provision for Partners to access the materials and funding they need

· Ask God to guide decision-makers away from vengeance and escalation

· Ask for provision of needs for more than one million displaced families

· Pray for host communities carrying this burden of help and support