- NVBC
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
21st Jan 2026
Eternity
from Johnny
For about three decades, Arthur Stace wrote the word Eternity on the pavements of Sydney. He had first been captured by the word in a sermon at his church, Burton Street Tabernacle, a Baptist church in Darlinghurst. The sermon was by an evangelical preacher, John Ridley, who said, “Eternity! Eternity! I wish I could sound, or shout, that word to everyone in the streets of Sydney. Eternity!” Arthur thought to himself, 'perhaps I could write it on the streets of Sydney', and he did so. Half a million times!
For the past two weeks (and once more this Sunday) we have been using a version of Stace's beautiful handwritten design, as we explore the idea of sharing the Good News about Jesus with our world in new and insightful ways.
The book of Ecclesiastes says,“He has set eternity in the human heart…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). So what are those eternal feelings, those eternal echoes in human hearts? Jesus is the fulfilment of eternity in every human heart. People long for justice, but so often injustice prevails. People long for relationships, but we don't seem to be able to have or keep healthy ones. People long for and love beauty, but the world is full of so much ugliness, and beauty feels fleeting and illusive. And there are many other aspects to this as well, like people's desire for spirituality or belonging or truth or hope...
As you think about these themes, I want to encourage you to do more than just learn them for yourself. What would it look like for you to find ways to take these thoughts into your conversations with those who don't yet know Jesus for themselves. What would it look like for you to share the Good News of Jesus as the bringer of true justice for the world? The Good News of Jesus the bringer of true relationship? The Good News of Jesus the bringer of true beauty? Jesus the answer to the echoes of eternity found in human hearts?
Connect Groups 2026
Have you thought about joining a Connect Group at NVBC this year? In the next couple of weeks, our connect groups are resuming for the year, so this is the perfect time! We have groups for young adults, groups for men, groups for women, and mixed groups for everyone of all ages.
These groups are the key context for learning and growing together as fellow-disciples. There's time for sharing and praying, time for supporting one another in the ups and downs of life, and time to read and discuss the bible together to learn from and teach one another. If you're not currently part of a group, you're missing out!
If you want to know more about Connect Groups, contact Ps. Johnny here.
And if you would like to join a group, click here to fill in our Connect Group Placement Form and let us know your availability and preferences.
2026 Prayer Cards
from Travis
Thank you all who filled in and returned a 2026 Prayer Card on Sunday as part of our Services. It is always a huge encouragement to read through your prayer cards and the heart you carrying for the work of God in your life over the coming year. It is (and will be) an incredible privilege to stand with you in prayer for those things across the year.
If you missed last Sunday, or needed further reflection to discern a 2026 prayer for yourself, the prayer cards will be available once again this coming Sunday at both Services. It would be wonderful to add your prayers.
We are Hiring!
Last week and on Sunday we shared that the search for an Admin and Operations Manager to join the NVBC staff team is officially underway.
We are looking for a someone who is highly self-motivated, with strong administrative and organizational skills and a real love for the church here at NVBC. We invite any questions about the scope of the role, expressions of interest and applications via our church email.
Please cover this search process in prayer and pray for God's leading throughout. Applications close Feb 14.
This Weekend
This Friday - Site Reset
A team is assembling to help with a "site reset" this Friday morning. If you can join the fun of preparing our facilities ready for all our onsite ministries to resume in term 1, please let the pastoral team know here.
This Sunday - 'Eternity in the Human Heart'
Johnny will conclude our January mini-series.
Kids packs will be available during the service.
Coming Up
How to Read the Bible (Sat Jan 31)
Join Johnny for a practical equipping workshop (with plenty of interaction) on how to read, understand, interpret and apply the Bible to our lives. Rego here.
Vision Sunday (Sun Feb 1)
Our Annual Vision Sunday is next Sunday! Travis will share his heart for where he believes God is leading us as a church in the year ahead.
Divorce Care (Wed Feb 2)
Our friends at Erina Community Baptist Church are running a Divorce Care support group for those processing separation beginning Feb 2. To find out more or to register, visit: https://www.erinabap.org.au/divorcecare
For all other upcoming events, visit:
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