Restoration

John 21:1-17

Peter didn't feel "good enough" to continue in his role as a "fisher of men" so he goes back to what he knows, fishing! Jesus reminds Peter of his calling and restores him to the role he was called to.

When Jesus restores Peter to his calling, Peter has the confidence to be the shepherd that Jesus knew he could be.

Have you ever felt you are not good enough for God?

Take heart from the story of Peter's restoration The resurrection of Jesus means that even though we are "NOT good enough" Jesus restores us to our primary calling to be fishers of men, because he is a God of restoration.

Listen to the full sermon here!

He Is Risen!

On Friday, the last day of the week. Jesus completed his life's work of creation! His new Kingdom project was complete "IT IS FINISHED"!!

On Saturday (the Sabbath) he rested.

But on the first day of the week "Sunday" He rises to the new creation - the Kingdom he brought into being !

What will we do with our new world?

Have you gone through a "Saturday" a day of waiting for God to do something in your life?

Have hope because "Sunday" is here -  a new week, a new start and a new beginning!

Easter reflection

As we begin our journey through the passion week, I pray that you connect afresh with Jesus. We remember him through the passover meal and the meal that he left us with. We remember his death on a Roman cross and we celebrate his resurrection on Sunday.

It is right to renew our commitment to Jesus at this time of year and to repent of our own self directed lives when we reflect on his death . However we should also remember that Jesus died for restoration! Restoration of relationship with God but also restoration to ministry. The servant in Matthew 26:50-54 who's ear was cut off was disfigured and therefore unable to ever serve in the temple, Jesus not only healed him but restored his ministry. If Jesus does this for someone who wanted him dead how much more will he do for those who love him?

May you be richly blessed in your time of reflection in the next few days.

Markus

Good Friday

Please remember that on Good Friday we will be having our communion service at North Beach Wallaroo  at 9.am. Click on  the link to see a map. Bring a chair, ( if it is raining we will meet at our chapel) Easter Sunday we will be in the Chapel on Owen Terrace at 10 am as normal.
map

Prayer

Our next 24hr prayer vigil is this evening starting Friday at 4 pm and finishing Saturday.
for all those involved please contact Markus if you have forgotten your time slot. If you haven't put your name down you can still participate by praying where you are.

Prayer is the fuel for our engine without it we stop! We cease to function for the kingdom and we begin to run on our own energy. That is never a healthy thing to do.

7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones
(Proverbs 3:7-8 NLTse)

Harvest Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is our yearly Harvest Thanksgiving Service.  Whether you are a farmer, fisherman or neither  is irrelevant because harvest thanksgiving is about relying on God's provision.  Abraham had to rely on God for a son. He learned the hard way to trust that God will provide.

Genesis 22:7-8 NLTse
 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”
8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together

One tough lesson that God has taught me over the years is that he will always provide for my needs.
Every time  I begin to think "I don't know how I can afford to...." God says trust me!

ME "God I don't know if I can afford to quit my job and study full-time"
God "Trust me!"
Result: God is faithful and we have all we need.

Me "God I don't know if I can afford to work as an intern for no money"
God "Trust me!"
Result: God is faithful and we have all we need.

Me "God I don't know if I can afford to sell my new house and move to the country"
God "Trust me!"
Result: God is faithful and we have all we need.

Me "God I don't know how we can afford as a church to buy our own property"
God "Trust me"
Result: God is faithful and we have all we need.

It takes faith to trust in God's provision but the more we trust him, the more he comes through. The more he comes through for us the more we know we can trust him.

God's provision is hard because it requires faith from us.
If it does not require faith then is it God's provision?

Matthew 6:33 NLTse
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Opening Service

We the Copper Coast Baptist Church are a young church - we began as a congregation in 2007.  However, the history of a church comes not just from the present group of people but all those who have gone before them to pave the way.

The first Baptist Church in the Copper Coast held its first service in January 1865 so this year we celebrate 150 years of a Baptist presence in the Copper Coast.

Last year was the 100th anniversary of this building and Graham Burgan, Pastor of the Kadina Church of Christ has kindly given us a gift to represent that event. The commemorative trowel which was presented by the builders “Chandlers and Co” to celebrate the laying of the foundation stone.

We as a church have come a long way since our early beginnings 8 years ago. We began by meeting in homes, other churches and school premises within the community. We have faced obstacles and difficulties but we have grown stronger as we rely on God and his direction and provision for us as his followers.

One year ago we as the Copper Coast Baptist Church had no indication that we would be here today. We had no savings and no assets (other than our people). We had a block of land that belonged to the Baptist Churches of South Australia through a legacy from Minlaton Baptist Church but we had no funds to build on it.  God has certainly performed a miracle in 2014.  

This building could not have come about for us had it not been for the legacy of the Minlaton, Peterborough and Jamestown Baptist Churches.  Demographics may have shifted away from these towns but the legacy of these faithful congregations will live on in the work of the Copper Coast Baptist Church.  The Baptist mission statement is “Together in Mission” and we are a testament to that statement.

We also wish to thank Baptist Financial Services and Greg Thomas for all his help in securing the finances to fit out the building. We are very grateful for their ministry support.

We now have a place to call home and to serve the community from. This building is our home base but it is only a building, it is a tool for serving God in the community and we look forward to all the new ways in which we will participate in the community in the Copper Coast. 

                                                Mayor Paul Thomas speaking at the opening service

                                                                    More Pictures here