I am aware, as I write this, that today is Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time when many Christians and churches begin to think about and prepare for Easter. It is a forty-day period of fasting and prayer intended to encourage Christians to think about sin and forgiveness through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While for some it may be a vain attempt to follow a set of rules and regulations to be pious enough to find acceptance with God for many others it can be a genuine time of personal discipline and denial to encourage a greater awareness of God and devotion to Him.

This Lenten season as we head toward Easter we thought it might be a good idea to encourage our church family to be focusing on the Lord Jesus and draw near to Him through fasting and prayer. We have alerted our Lifegroup Shepherds about this and asked them to encourage their groups to consider fasting and praying. Fasting can take many forms such as fasting from; food, sweet things (sugar, cakes, ice-cream, especially chocolate!), meat, alcohol, caffeine, entertainment, television, technology, facebook, shopping, an attitude or bad habit. You name it, there are any number of things that we can deny ourselves as a form of spiritual self-discipline in order to prompt us to pray and read more of the Scriptures.

Currently our E100 is seeing great support in the church and is encouraging many so how about adding fasting and increased prayer to the spiritual discipline of reading the Word of God everyday?

It is significant that Lent is a period of 40 days in preparation for Easter as 40 day and year periods have great significance in Scripture, consider the following; God sent rain upon the earth in the great flood for 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:4), Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai with God (Exodus 34:28), Elijah spent 40 days and nights walking to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8), the 12 spies spent 40 days exploring the Promised Land (Numbers 13:25), the Hebrew people spent 40 years wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 32:13), they also ate manna for 40 years (Exodus 16:35), Jonah told the people of Nineveh they had 40 days to repent or face God’s judgement (Jonah 3:4), Israel was oppressed by the Philistines for 40 years (Judges 13:1), for 40 days Goliath taunted Israel (1 Samuel 17:16), David reigned over Israel for 40 years (2 Samuel 5:4), Solomon also reigned over Israel for 40 years (1 Kings 11:42), Saul reigned for 40 years  (Acts 13:21), and perhaps most well known is Jesus spending 40 days fasting in the wilderness at the beginning of His earthly ministry (Matt 4:1-2).

What can you pray for during the next 40 days? Your spiritual growth, your attitudes, words, actions, your family, your marriage, your work, your health, your unsaved friends, the church, the pastors and elders, missionaries both local and overseas, marriages, churches in Adelaide and throughout Australia, government, political leaders, our nation. There are many things we can be in prayer for, how about taking the time to write a list and then pray through it? Perhaps Lent and a dedicated time of fasting and prayer could encourage you spiritually to go to a new level of growth and vibrancy in your walk with the Lord. Your life could increasingly become a source of spiritual influence and encouragement to Christians and non-Christians.

Remember God wants to walk with you, He wants you to fellowship and commune with Him through prayer, listening to Him, reading the Scriptures and obeying His will in your life. He wants to bless you that you in turn might be a blessing and an inspiration to others.

In some regards, it seems somewhat strange that we're commanded to love each other.. it doesn't seem like something that should be able to be commanded!  But on many occasions, Jesus tells us (not just encourages us.. but commands us) to love each other!  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-45

In our modern situation, it's easy to see love as something that we show to people whom we also like, and struggle to show to those we don't… but Jesus commands that we love each other - like love is something we can turn on and off like a light switch.

Peter helps us understand how this works… "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 2 Peter 1:5-9

Peter shows us again that sin levels the playing field!  For those of us who have been forgiven of our sin by the redeeming work of Jesus, we have no right to boast in anything but him!  At the same time there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; so as Matt Chandler says "no one should walk with a swagger in the Kingdom, and no one should walk with a limp"… We have all been forgiven an entirely unpayable debt, and because of this we don't regard ourselves higher than anyone… and also no less than anyone.  Peter addresses this letter to "those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" - 2 Peter 1:1… showing that by faith we have an equal standing even with those who walked with Jesus; what an amazing place to be!

Spurgeon once wrote "I would continually act as if I had just seen Him and had put my fingers into the print of the nails!".. what better way to continually remind ourselves of how much God has done for us, and what consequence of our sin we have been spared at His expense.  In Luke 7 Jesus says "those who are forgiven much, love much".. and we have certainly been forgiven much!

How will all people know that we are His disciples?  How will we be fruitful and effective for the Kingdom?  Love each other.

Blessings,

Don.

One of our church’s Core Values is ‘To enthusiastically investigate God’s Word and boldly teach His truth because God is our authority for life.” And this is what makes the E100 Challenge such a valuable resource to the Church. Whatever we call it; a challenge, a program, a plan or outline, it is a tool to enthuse and encourage us toward making God’s Word all that He designed it to be. His blueprint of relationship with me and how I can live a fruitful and fulfilling life.

It’s interesting to know EBC is not alone in recognizing the need to encourage the reading and spiritual application of God’s Word. Pastor Rick Warren is currently leading all the churches under his influence in “40 Days in the Word”. He makes the observation that over 3 generations the understanding and application of God’s Word has diminished. He reflects, his father’s generation knew the Word really well, His generation knew it somewhat and today’s still less. I see and believe this to be generally correct here in Australia also.

Pastor John Piper recently had a blog discussion “Read your Bible more and more” (Jan 30^th) where he countered criticism with 3 reasons such a call was not legalistic. In it he reproduced a comment from J.C. Ryle - Do not think you are getting no good from the Bible, merely because you do not see that good day by day. The greatest effects are by no means those which make the most noise, and are most easily observed. The greatest effects are often silent, quiet, and hard to detect at the time they are being produced.

Think of the influence of the moon upon the earth, and of the air upon the human lungs. Remember how silently the dew falls, and how imperceptibly the grass grows. There may be far more doing than you think in your soul by your Bible-reading. (J. C. Ryle, Practical Religion, 136)

This week in the E100 we have been reading about the Patriarchs; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We read of men and family leaders learning about what it is to a people of faith. God called a man (Abraham) to be the building block in showcasing faith and obedience. God is constantly looking and desires us to be people of faith.    

A key theme that has registered with me this summer is, Wholeness in life is directly connected to wholeheartedness. Wholeness in life, my marriage, my children, in my ministry and social circle, is directly connected to how I give myself to it. Am I giving myself wholeheartedly to the life God had given me to live? Giving myself to God’s Word thereby submitting to its authority is important for me to have a fruitful and fulfilled life. 

Its great to be back from holidays this week having had a refreshing break. While on holiday I had the joy of cutting and stacking at least 6 tons of firewood, helped a mate out by shovelling 42 ton of hard metal and sand and laid 110 square metres of paving. That’s what I call a holiday! Hilery wasn’t quite so impressed by what I call a holiday but she faithfully helped me stack all the firewood. One of the milestones I also achieved was to clean out the recycled timber in our garage and put both our vehicles in there. That’s quite a mammoth task that has taken us four years to achieve! Another task that I achieved just before Christmas was to lay almost 70 square metres of large format paving in our driveway. I’m not sure how many tons they weigh but I do remember pulling up every single paver from the person’s driveway who I’d bought them from almost 5 years ago.

The neighbours have always come over to inspect and comment on my work after a job is completed whether its been cleaning out the garage, laying the driveway, building the front stairs, building retaining walls or building the fence. Each is a milestone and is to be discussed, assessed and commented on. I’m grateful for the feedback which is nearly always complementary but I have noticed a pattern of everyone steering clear until the jobs done, then there are any number of experts who begin to tell me how I could have done it better and more efficiently.

I’ve learned many lessons about life as I’ve worked on each project but one thing stands out. Anything worthwhile takes time and effort to achieve. Unless of course you’re wealthy or save hard in which case you can pay someone else to do your renovations and driveway and whatever else needs doing. You can then have you’re driveway laid in two weeks instead of it taking you five years!  The thing that we cannot pay someone else to do however, no matter how wealthy we might be or how hard we might save, is our spiritual growth. Spiritual growth toward maturity in Christ takes all of us time and effort. We each must take the time to invest in our spiritual growth by spending time reading the Bible, disciplining ourselves to pray and diligently serving in ministry. There are no shortcuts and there is no opportunity to pay someone else to do the growing for us.

This week we begin considering our focus for the first semester on a series of Bible studies called the E100 CHALLENGE. One hundred days of reading the Bible each day and praying in a systematic and disciplined way. It will take time and effort but it is an important step toward spiritual growth that will hopefully move us closer to Jesus and therefore to becoming more like Jesus in our attitudes and actions. One thing is for certain, we all need to change, to mature, to grow up in Christ, no matter how old we are or how long we’ve been a Christian.

Spiritual growth is one project that will never quite be completed this side of heaven so we must persevere, encourage one another and keep our eye on the goal of what Christianity is really all about – learning more about Jesus and growing to be like Him more and more. Maybe you could do a spiritual health check by asking a friend, family member or spouse whether they’ve seen you grow closer to Jesus or away from Him? Which is another thing I’ve learned about life from my projects, once they’re done everyone what can see what’s been done, both good and bad. Remember the project of our spiritual life is also on display for all to see.

By now most families will be back from holiday, meaning back to work and asking the rhetorical question “Where did that holiday go?” Next week will see Ps’s Brian & Don return to the office and church life will resume its given intensity. During term 1 there will be two events we as a Church will be asked to support.

E 100 CHALLENGE This initiative from Scripture Union is being offered to the body of EBC by leadership as a spiritual growth resource. And like other church-wide initiatives, which have reaped fruit in the life of the church (i.e. 40 Days of Purpose, 40 Days of Community, Peacemakers) it is designed to impact best by “multiple growth reinforcement.” Meaning growth takes place by hearing (Sunday preaching), doing (individual scripture investigating), reading (daily book journaling), and discussion (LIFEgroup interaction). 100 days over two terms immersed in an overview of the whole Bible.

If you’re like me, I start well but fade easily. I know how difficult it is to stay committed no matter how good it is designed to be for me. But in this I want to succeed because the scriptures are the only true source of life, sustenance and hope. Join us as leaders with our families and groups as we commit to doing 100 days together.  The more of us doing this the greater incentive it is to complete what we start.

FAMILY CAMP Is it time again for Family Camps to be a part of EBC church life?

When we came to EBC in 2001 Family Camp was an influence in the families of EBC in a great way. Camps were spoken of, looked forward to and were part of the calendar every year. That season waned for the broader church although some families continued to fellowship this way privately. Ps Simon put it in our 2012 calendar for the Church to respond. Our response will show if we continue with the booking.

AUSTRALIA DAY This week we will celebrate with other citizens Australia Day. There will be flag waving, Citizenship ceremonies, and multiple celebrations with mandatory barbeques. Great! Bring on a good snag, lamb chops and steak (medium rare please) with Lamingtons to follow. I have a sense that patriotism expressed by the average Australian is increasing. At least that’s what the shops would sell us. When we see the state of political and financial affairs off shore we have much to be proud of. Australia has held its head high financially through the recent GFC that continues to wreck havoc in many Western economies. Currently our dollar appears stronger than both the Euro and the US dollar for investment. Investments are up with mining resources solid. Politically, Australia is growing in global acceptance as our leaders take higher profiles in International gatherings. So?

Biblically, inappropriate pride leads to destruction Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Solomon also warned national & international leaders that God hate[s] pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech. … By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just, by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth. (Prov. 8:13-16) Is this judgment on Western society? Possibly. The sum of last century’s 2 World Wars bookending the Great Depression defined modern Western Society’s ability to ‘ride out’ political and financial turmoil. I believe this gave it the high impression of being right and even becoming the global policeman. 

So? Many sportsmen have experienced the short step from pride to arrogance.  No need to name names here…  

As we see the global demise of European and American respect and influence, let’s make sure Australia doesn’t travel down the same path. As a Church let us lead our community on a pathway by showing we have hope in Jesus Christ and humility to value His Word. 100 days could be all the difference it takes.

Ps Joe

Christmas is almost here, the snowflakes and reindeer are almost at the door and Santa has been slimming so he can fit down the chimney. The shops have ramped up their Christmas advertising, sales are in full swing and the carol services are well underway. Once the food for Christmas is finally organised the holidays are the next big thing on the horizon. Thus another Christmas and another year expires.

Rather than just allowing another year and another event to expire I wondered about the opportunity to inspire you to be thinking about Christmas and it’s most important focus - the birth of Jesus Christ into this world. The older I get and the more I see the world’s gradual decline and disintegration the more I wonder what God was thinking in sending Jesus Christ to this earth. Why didn’t he just let us expire as a human race into the abyss of nothingness? Why bother with a human race that is so bent on rebellion against His authority and loving rule over our lives?

If you knew what God knew, about us and our propensity to sin, what would you have done if you were God? I think I would have penned the final words of the last chapter, written ‘The End’ and then closed the Book. Remarkably God chose instead to keep the story of humanity going by writing another chapter and the chapter he wrote is by far the best in the Book. Most of the Book is written about us and that means a record of our failures and accompanying misery but this new chapter is written about Him and His Son Jesus.

What an unexpected twist to the story when angels appear, there are sheep and shepherds, wise men and an animals’ feeding trough – not to mention a weary pregnant woman and her faithful husband. This story is better than anything the creative genius Max Lucado could have thought of or written, J.R.R Tolkien couldn’t even come close with his stupendous writing gift nor could C.S Lewis, with all his brilliance, have conceived a storyline like this.

This is the story of a being so loving, so gracious, so eternally interested in His creation that He is prepared to sacrifice His Son and Himself as the Creator. The Creator lays down His life for His creation! No human being could ever have conceived such a plan, for this kind of sacrificial love is beyond our conception. Some might think that’s not quite true, surely some would lay down their lives for a loved one? True but Jesus gave His life for us while we were still sinners. That means we were His enemies, walking in opposition to His will, rebelling against His holiness and giving full flight to our sin nature.

Christmas is the opening story in the chapter that defines God’s finest hour. It begins with a baby and leads to a cruel cross that silences heaven and earth, and then to an empty tomb, the dramatic finale that opens the possibility of heaven for all. A new chapter and a new story begins. What inspiration! What encouragement, hope and love is induced from the chapter that begins with Christmas. Fat Santa’s and overflowing trolleys don’t even come close to this yet unfinished story….

I watched a documentary last week on the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. The shear power of their destruction was truly astounding as the bombs flattened everything for many kilometres around. The physical destruction however pales into insignificance in light of the human destruction. It is estimated that at least 100,000 people were killed in Hiroshima and another 70,000 in Nagasaki, no one knows for sure. Half of the number killed died the first day of the bombings, the other half died a slow and painful death from flash burns or radiation sickness over the weeks and months that followed.

As I reflected on the destruction and the facts and figures about the complete devastation brought about by this horrific event I was reminded of the Bible’s description of the potentially devastating power of the tongue. In the book of James we are reminded that the tongue has the capacity for great good in bringing praise to God but also great destruction in the damage it can bring.

“Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5b-6)

The Bible warns us of the tongue’s potentially destructive power that can ignite and burn down a whole forest, and like an atomic bomb it can indiscriminately destroy everything in its path. I was challenged further this week in thinking about these things while reading a chapter of a book on the tongue with my accountability partners, which said:

“The tongue has that scope of inflammatory power in human relationships, and James is saying that those who misuse the tongue are guilty of spiritual arson. A mere spark from an ill-spoken word can produce a firestorm that annihilates everyone it touches. Furthermore, because the tongue is a “world of evil,” it contains and conveys all the world system’s wickedness. It is party to every evil there is and actively intrudes its evil into our lives.”  (R. Kent Hughes, Disciplines Of A Godly Man)

Thankfully, while reflecting on the potential of our words, I was reminded of God’s Words, communicated in various ways, that have brought such unimaginable blessing to this world,

…“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favour rests” (Luke 2:14)

…“Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

…“It is finished.”… (John 19:30)

God’s peace to you in this Christmas season,

Pastor Brian.

CHANGING SEASONS

This term, we here at EBC have been celebrating our recent past. I say recent past because we have just been reflecting on the past ten years when EBC’s history stretches back around 107 years. Over a century of church participation and leadership – What a Heritage!

Babies have been born and families grown. Youth went on to become sensible, well-adjusted adult influencers in their generation. Men and women, in our past, committed themselves to each other and took part in shaping their society and culture to be what we have today. Consider all the church leaders who have been influencers to the multitude of people who have shared their faith at EBC. The pastors, the deacons, the Sunday school superintendents and teachers, the ministry leaders, home group shepherds and volunteer servants who went ahead of us to lay a foundation that has stood for over a Century. Wow!

We have much to thank God for, so it is right to celebrate, and celebrate we have. We have celebrated our Vision, Purpose and Mission, thanking God for the leadership and vision that has afforded EBC the facilities we enjoy on a regular basis.   We have celebrated our volunteers. We have celebrated our multi-cultural and multi-generational congregation with a special focus on our mature aged saints. This week we will be celebrating with our young members and their families with the annual EBKidz Christmas production.

The term has not yet finished. Yes there’s more to come before we celebrate Christmas.

It’s good to reflect and observe milestones or markers in our past as long as it helps us continue to move ahead. Selwyn Hughes uses the illustration of a driver glancing in the rear vision mirror “as a reference point not a resting point.” To remain fixed on the mirror rather than the road ahead would be disastrous. The road ahead has been to every generation, perilous and challenging. We face similar challenges to those that confronted families over the last 107 years, and the way forward will only be found in the Spirit of God’s leading.

In looking for the Spirit’s leading regarding the way ahead, we will be observing a time of Prayer and Fasting next weekend. On Saturday and Sunday mornings at 8am there will be a prayer meeting in the foyer. You are invited to join us as we celebrate God’s gifts to EBC and wait on Him to lead the way ahead. If able, we invite you also to fast with us.

Living life on the edge can be a risky business whether it’s with a business or a career or a financial investment. Things can go wrong, mistakes might be made, plans might come unstuck and you end up falling over the edge and it might be a long way down. Perhaps it’s best not to take risks, and perhaps it’s best to avoid anything that might, if it goes wrong, cause you to become unstuck.  So my advice to you today is; be careful, stay at home, put your feet up and watch the telly with a nice cup of tea!

Such a perspective poses a problem for a disciple of Jesus Christ however, for a reading of the Bible teaches us that we are called to live life on the edge. If we are to walk with Jesus in the way He intends us to, life will be a risk, faith demands it! History records that those who followed Jesus risked being opposed, rejected, arrested, imprisoned and even put to death. Many godly people living in New Testament times experienced horrible things as they chose to believe in and follow their Saviour Jesus Christ.

Jesus himself called his followers to a live a life without comfort and ease, in fact it was more often a life of discomfort, disturbance and discouragement. It doesn’t sound like much fun and for many Christians in countries around the world even today it isn’t. The fact is, if you are going to follow hard after God, if you are going to take risks and step out in faith, if you are going to try and make your life count for the kingdom, you will inevitably find yourself on occasion staring over the edge of a cliff. No one knew this more than the great Apostle Paul who often found himself teetering on the cliff edge and about to lose his balance. Consider his experience and attitude toward his risky faith…

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonour, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also. 2 Corinthians 6:4-13

Paul seemed quite at home on the cliff’s edge. He seems almost comfortable with the reality that he could be knocked over the edge anytime by making himself so vulnerable to others. Each time he faced difficulty he came closer to the edge. Paul had a secret however, that many without a risk taking faith never get to see or experience; if he did fall it would be into the loving arms of his Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul knew the secret that only those who by faith live on the edge get to see a waiting Saviour below. No wonder he was such a courageous risk taker for the kingdom.

So maybe it’s not such a smart idea to sit at home and not take risks. Maybe it’s good and godly to step out in faith at the risk of failure and hurt, and seek to be used by God to make a difference in the kingdom! I encourage you to live a life of risky faith – for the experience and rewards might be beyond anything you ever imagined!

Last Sunday morning I challenged us to think about the vision God has given each of us for our lives: the calling that God has for our lives for a particular ministry involvement. Pastor and author Bill Hybels, calls it our “holy discontent,” that need that God puts before us that frequently troubles or disturbs us. Nehemiah was troubled about the situation that Israel was in and specifically the fact that the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed and the city lay in ruins (Neh 1:3-4).  So he did three things, he prayed and asked God for help, he asked the king for help and then he acted himself by leaving his comfortable position and getting involved in rebuilding the walls of the city.

I believe God is calling each and every one of us to consider and address the thing that is disturbing us – our “holy discontent.” First we must identify and isolate in our minds what it is that concerns us most. Secondly we must intercede on behalf of that ministry or group of people in prayer. Thirdly we must get involved ourselves. This forms the biblical model for ministry development and involvement.

Our culture doesn’t always help us as Christians to adopt the Nehemiah method of involvement. Australian culture has taught us to identify a problem and then complain to an authority about it and that’s where we leave it. Unfortunately in the church we sometimes demonstrate this approach as we identify a problem and then complain to a pastor, elder or ministry leader about it. Thinking we have satisfactorily addressed the problem (by giving it to someone else), we move on to some other concern and if at a later date the leader hasn’t addressed our concern to our satisfaction we complain again. This is becoming a classic Aussie trait in our society that is sometimes reflected in the Aussie church. Old-school Christians used to be more prayerful and more proactive, especially in the early church.

Like Nehemiah we must always first and foremost bring our concern to God in prayer (Neh 1:5-11) and like Nehemiah we must get involved ourselves in addressing the matter (Neh 2:11). Nehemiah didn’t see the problem of the ruins of Jerusalem and then complain to the king: his relationship with God caused him to earnestly talk to God about it, and then to sacrificially become involved to help address his concern.

So the two questions I have for us today are:

• What is it that troubles you? and
• What are you doing about it?

The answer to these two questions may help to define your calling and personal vision for your life from God.

The causes that concern us are as numerous as the sand on the seashore… the poor, injustice, abortion, euthanasia, evangelism, the homeless, the widowed, orphans, the church, children, youth, families, the elderly, marriage, financial stewardship, morality, church property maintenance, pastoral care, Bible teaching, lifegroups, men, women, the single, the divorced, solo parents, child abuse, missions, administration and organisation, leadership, communication, sound and lighting, the sick, counselling, education, refugees, social change, muslim influence, worship, fellowship, catering. We can’t be concerned about everything but we must be concerned about something, what is yours?