Just thinking…
One of the clearest ways of getting a sense of someone’s character is seeing how they handle defeat and failure. You won’t see character accurately in moments of victory or even in moments of settledness. Failure exposes our hidden motivations and secret insecurities. Defeat shines the spotlight on our values and who we truly in a way that little else can. It is also one of the most formative experiences in developing godly character in us. A man called J. Allen writes, ‘Most of us spend half our lives fighting for things that would only destroy us if we got them. A man who has never been defeated is usually a man who has been ruined.’ The problem of course is that we live in a world which is addicted to success and often share in that same addiction ourselves. But consider … the greatest victory achieved on our world was actually achieved through apparent defeat. Jesus, this pretend-messiah in the eyes of his enemies, was finally dealt with on the cross. “Hah!” they said. “Good riddance! He got what was coming to him.” But little did they know that God weaves the greatest of results from the apparent tatters of our lives. Are you defeated? Have you known failure? Let it be a character-transformation event. Let it throw you in desperate dependence into the arms of Jesus, and then wait to see what he will do.
In Him,
Murray
This Sunday 15 November…
Bubbles! The Bubble of Two : What's the deal with marriage. Is it even relevant today or is it an outdated institution? What was God's dream for it and how can we partner with that dream? Come and find out!
Kids Programmes This Sunday
Spark is our program for older preschool to year 2 kids,
Blaze is for kids in years 3-5,
Ignite is for young people in years 6 and above.
Family Fun Night!
On Saturday 21 November from 5:30 - 9pm, we will be having a Family Fun Night in the church! Come and join us for a pre-Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and an exciting programme for all to enjoy! Please wear a party hat - there will be prizes for the most original hat.
Costs are:
Adults - $10
Children - $5
Family - $25
Under 6 Free
Please pay when you book. Bookings and payments will be taken at church on 1, 8 and 15 November.
Looking forward to celebrating together!
The Hospitality Team
Family Walk
There will be a family walk on Mt Wellington (Maungarei) on Sunday 22 November 2pm with the Auckland Baptist Tramping Club. It will be suitable for families and children. Contact the office for more information.
mainly music
mainly music for young children is on in the church every Tuesday at 10am. Newcomers are most welcome!
Film Group
As there are no suitable movies at the theatres we regularly attend, we will be meeting at 6pm Tuesday 17 November, to view the highly acclaimed biographical legal drama film based on the life of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg. For those wanting to eat following the movie, we plan to purchase take-away meals. Please contact the church office if you want to attend.
Home Groups
Young Adults Home Group
Every Thursday evening at 7:30pm. Please email the church to be added to the Facebook page, and check Facebook for updates of what we have going on. We'd love for you to join us!
Revelation Bible Study
The Revelation Small Group Series are studies looking at Jesus’ messages to the seven churches and asking what they mean for us today. This follows on from the Revelation sermon series and starts on Wednesday 21 October, 7:30pm. There will be five studies: 21, 28 Oct, 18, 25 Nov, 2 Dec. Enquiries phone the church office.
Myth-busters Small Group
Myth-busters is a 5 week series exploring what the Bible actually says about some key topics rather than what we think it says. Please contact the office if you are interested.
SHAPE Small Group
Pastor Murray will be leading a SHAPE Small Group series, looking at how God has wired you for service. Please register your interest by contacting the office.
Wednesday Night Home Group
Home Group at the home of Paul and Ruth Ungemuth every second and fourth Wednesday at 7:30pm. Each week we share in supper, do a bible study and pray for each other. Will begin on Wednesday 13 February. Contact the office for more information.
Thursday Morning Home Group
Home Group in the church lounge on the third Thursday of the month at 10am. After morning tea we do a bible study and pray together. Contact the office for more information.
You can check out what’s happening from our Facebook page by clicking here.
You can check out all our Sunday services during the lock-down from our YouTube channel by clicking here.
You can find out what’s happening at RBC by joining our e-newsletter list. Please contact the office if you wish to be added to this.