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