Building for Eternity
Archive for April, 2010
Lest we forget
1 year ago
by Lyndall Bailey
in News
ANZAC day is the closest thing we have to our own national ‘religion’, I reckon. Anzac Cove, in Gallipoli, is holy ground for Australians, and many make the pilgrimage for ANZAC Day. I myself would like to make that trip one day.
It is most definitely Australian to participate in one or all of the following:
- Go to a dawn service, and feel a shiver up your spine as the ‘last post’ plays.
- To stop and remember the bravery of those who were involved
- To watch an Anzac march.
- Have a beer for those who lost their lives.
- Play ‘2 up’ down at the local.
We love, as we should, the bravery, sacrifice and the mateship shown by those who fought. And want to honour these things. And for many, these men and women are considered heroes.
Most of us have heard stories, first or second hand, about the horrors of war. I am thankful that I am the first generation, for over a hundred years where civilians have not been asked to go to war. Take the time to remember those who have gone before us.
Have you ever gone to a dawn service? If not, can I ask you to consider it for next year.
It is one of the most moving, and powerful things I have ever experienced.
Have a great day…
Lest we forget.
Jimbo Mobbs,
Assistant Pastor
Dare to Believe
1 year ago
by Lyndall Bailey
in News
Today we begin our teaching series on the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Samuel.
The opening pages confront us with a woman – Hannah, who is in profound inner turmoil. Moreover, her personal crisis takes place in a time when God’s people are spiritually compromised and without any leadership of integrity – anarchy reigned!
I bet that Hannah wondered if God was powerful enough to change such ingrained problems. Even if she believed God could, I suspect that Hannah doubted whether God cared enough to act.
How about us? When our health suffers, when financial strain overwhelms, when relationships break down, when we make mistakes and live with regret, and suffer personal pain and deep crisis – do we wonder whether God is powerful enough to act? Do we doubt whether God cares enough to do something?
Hannah dared to believe that the God who she knew, from His great saving acts in history, was big enough and cared enough to act now for her!
Hannah’s story dares us to believe too. For God has acted in history – His great care is shown to us in giving us His own Son the Lord Jesus, and His almighty power is displayed in raising this Jesus from the dead! Will we dare to call upon this God in the midst of personal crisis, inner turmoil and the anarchy of life around us?
Scott Goode,
Assistant Pastor