Thanksgiving and celebration
When we think about our eternal salvation, does it make our heart sing, and our lips praise God with thanksgiving? Would we do it for 7 days?
Keeping unity amidst diversity
Today we have an election result. Some of us won’t like the outcome. Some will love it. Others may not care.
So how do we keep unity amidst diversity? We keep Jesus the main thing!
Living Godly lives in this present age
With the current state of our nation, many families are under stress. Interest rates and rents increasing. There is a rise in homelessness and the cost of power, water, insurance and rates are increasing. Food prices(including fast food) have gone through the roof. The humble steak and cheese pie is now $5 and petrol is now over $3 per litre.
What does our God say in all this? “Trust in me”.
As Christians, how can we improve our sleep?
I’ve noted lately that many of our people are not getting enough sleep. Some of us suffer with insomnia and can’t seem to relax our brains. Others of us just stay up too late doing things. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours sleep for adults up to the age of 65, and 7 to 8 hours for those over 65. How are you going with this?
Kindness builds everybody up
A few weeks back, when I was leaving Sydney, I gave all my leftover Australian currency to my friend Claire. Within minutes she gave it all away to a beggar outside the mall. Her husband and I immediately reacted to her generosity, as the man did not look homeless. Claire responded, “I think he needs it more than I do.”
The Biblical importance of reconciliation between Māori and Pakeha
Sept 11 to 18 is Māori Language Week (Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori). Last week Jacqui gave each of us a helpful little booklet encouraging us to try some simple words in Māori. How did you go? Connect Baptist Church is a multi-ethnic church, and we love that don’t we? The diversity is rich, beautiful, and a taste of Heaven. So, if we are multi-ethnic why should we focus on one ethnicity over another, and why focus on this on a Sunday?
We all have a calling
I’m not the only person at Connect who has a ‘calling’ – we all do. If we only talk of pastors, missionaries and other church leaders as being called, we can unintentionally think of them as more special and more important to God’s mission. And if we disregard the fact that everyone has a calling, we can end up letting those who aren’t ‘full time Christians’ off the hook! It is true that pastors have a specific type of calling, but Scripture clearly teaches that all people who have received the gift of salvation are called to live lives that reflect Christ’s goodness and grace to the world around them.
Encouragement from God our Father
This Father’s Day let’s be encouraged by our Heavenly Father – the best Father of them all!
Water Baptism
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality. Going under the water symbolises our decision to “die” to old sinful patterns of life. We are washed clean from past sin and forgiven. Rising from the waters of baptism symbolises our new resurrected life in Christ (Romans 6).
The Mission of God.
Missionally God is always with us. When we participate in His mission His grace abounds, equipping, directing, protecting, and providing for us. Which mission will you participate in? Are you called overseas or to your neighbourhood?
Participating in the mission of God
A few months ago, I placed a challenge before our Church, for each of us to find “a person of peace” (someone not opposed to the things of God but not following either, or a baby Christian). In that relationship that you already have, I challenged you to take the bold step of asking them if you can just read the Bible together, once a week. You don’t need to have any special biblical knowledge. If they ask you questions you can’t answer just say, “I don’t know” but I’ll find out and get back to you.” The idea is that you are not the “teacher” but rather a fellow “discoverer.” That way the relationship is on a level ground.
Insights from Day 4, BWA - Norway
From Acts 8 the speaker highlighted how the gathered church became the scattered church as the result of persecution. He then shared four things that happen when the church is scattered: …
Baptists living in vulnerable countries.
At the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) conference in Norway this month, they launched the Vulnerability Index (see the slide below). Charles Hewlett, our National Baptist leader reports:
“The index brings attention to those within our global family living in the most vulnerable and challenging countries in the world. It is defined by four key factors—hunger, livelihood, violent conflict, religious freedom challenges. …
News from the Baptist World Alliance gathering in Norway.
Charles Hewlett, our NZ Baptist Movement National leader was in attendance. The BWA President, Tomas Mackey focussed on four mission fields for Baptists:
Our Magnificent Creator God
“Through Him (Christ) all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made,” John 1:3.
Here are some interesting scientific facts that point to a Creator.
· Scientists have found some 30 laws of physics that govern the universe and make life possible.
It’s Missions Month
How exciting! This month we have a special focus on what God is doing, and wants to do, through His church, in Aotearoa and around the world.
Trusting God during our suffering
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight,” Proverbs 3:5-6.
To “trust” in the Lord means to commit our way to Him. It’s difficult to trust in God during prolonged struggle. We may start to feel that God is not there for us, …
