New WebSite http://ecuwollongong.org/

MYC is a great week (running from the 4th-8th July) of delving deep into God's word.

Registration forms will be out in a few weeks.

You'll be able to register at any of our Lunch Time Bible Talks or anytime up at the chaplain's office. The minimum deposit is $20.

The conference is held at Meroo Conference Centre, Kurrajong. If you don�t know how to get there then take a look at these Googlemap links:

From Wollongong: Click here
From Engadine: Click here

The conference site driveway is on the right at approximately the end marker on these maps. We are at the bigger site that is at the end of the driveway in and has a large car park but there should be people to direct you once you get in.

Please allow about two hours travel to MYC.

More information about the camp can be obtained by emailing myc@ecuwollongong.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Registration over the net available now. See below

Get away for a weekend
Make new friends
Learn about 'God's Kingdom'
Enjoy yummy food together

We'll be staying on the grounds of a beautiful homestead in the Shoalhaven.

Friday 11- Sunday 13th March 2011
Cost is from $80 (camping at the homestead) to $105 (in cabin accommodation)

Brett Richardson from City Central Presbyterian Wollongong will be speaking at Reload

Registrations are now open. You can download the registration form here Follow the instructions on the brochure to register over the net now!

Starting Uni?
Would like to find out about ECU?
Would like to meet someone else in your course?

Come to Unistarters on Friday 25th February 2011.
Building 20, room 1 at 10:30am.
Bring $10. We'll have lunch provided at the end and finish around 2pm.

ECU will be serving lemonade at the O-Week festival.
It's always lots of fun with good stuff happening.

Come and find the ECU stall, grab some lemonade and sign up with ECU

Look for people with the shirts like this:

Ask us about the best life that Jesus brings

By Seth Fellows

It has commonly been said that �all good things come to an end�. Like most common sayings, especially those propagated by ridiculous songwriters (i.e. Nelly Furtado), this is of course not true. However, like most common sayings, there lies within this statement an element of truth. The time which we possess flashes before us, slipping from our tenuous grasp, leaving us caught in what often seems to be a constant state of evolving flux. What we hold dear so often comes to an end. Or leaves. Or changes. Or we do.

In my twenty-one years I have certainly felt the impressive weight of time forcing me to experience change and many endings. Were I to speak of a past riddled with intercontinental moves and the settling into and being torn from over twenty-nine houses you may not understand, but to engender empathy I need only point to our common experience.

Walking into UOW that first day: cleanly shaven1, academically na�ve, short on friends, short on money, ready and excited for educational enlightenment (i.e. deluded). And now? We sit here at the end of another action-packed, friend-filled, study-lacking, beard-growing1 semester and year of university. Gone is the time we have been given. What was has come to an end. Perhaps I feel this especially keenly as this may be my final semester of a degree which I have loved.

At the end of such �things�, a year of university (or a degree!) especially, reflection is pertinent. Have they really been good? This time that has passed (can I even call it mine?), have I spent it well? As I might have? As I should have?

To answer such a question we need, of course, some standard or set of standards by which to judge ourselves. And what standards shall we choose? Grades? The extent of my friendships, the depth of them? Wealth, enjoyment, reputation earned �? Let me be honest: these standards are as temporal and fleeting as the time which has passed, and far more subjective. Like sand they ebb and flow with the tides of time and popular opinion, and are sure to pass. Shall I truly judge my life by standards such as these?

Well! Do not give way to existential angst! Now is the time to consider how Nelly Furtado has lied! Indeed all good things do not come to an end. God, the very embodiment of good, has neither beginning nor an end. Before He formed the earth and skies, or brought forth the seemingly immovable mountains He was God. Our understanding of time does not apply to Him, as He certainly stands beyond our chronological constraints. It is this everlasting God who gives us our times. He knows the number of our days, and we receive them only because He allows it.

God is the ultimate standard. He is perfect. Jesus commands us to be perfect like him. The one who lives by God�s standard by applying His words, Jesus says, is like one who builds his house upon a rock. Allow your life to be likened to a house and consider the importance of a solid foundation. Oh, there certainly arelots of nice things you can do with temporal, fleeting, swiftly eroding sand: but do not try building a house on it.

I suppose the question is this: when you stand before God on the day when He returns to make a new creation which shall never end, what will He say? What will He say about how you have lived the session of university which has just passed? Will He say: �Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful2�?

Spend time pondering this. Talk with God about it. Whatever you conclude, please join with me in remembering that because of God our lives are significant. We truly matter. So we must not waste the times we are given.

Holidays are coming and either work, job-seeking or a return to university thereafter. As you make plans for these, do so with God as your ultimate standard. What is the best use of your time?

�Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.3�

The mythological Seth survives on a staple diet of baked beans, ice-cream and pity-induced hospitality. If you behold his socks and thongs and are brave enough to entertain his frequently unwashed presence which oozes scientific terminology, he would love to come to know you!

1. I apologize to those readers whose facial hair is lacking on account of being young, genetically impaired, or a woman.
2. Matthew 25:23
3. Ephesians 5:15-17

By Xin Li

The Lord�s Prayer has always been a passage that has brought me comfort and assurance. And it has been especially so this year, when I left my home country Singapore, my family, and my friends to come to Wollongong for my university education. Knowing no one, the only person I could rely upon was God. How awesome to have a friend in Jesus whom we can call upon, even when we can�t find the words. In the Lord�s Prayer Jesus offers us a guide on how we can pray. So using it, I just want to give thanks unto my Lord, God of the hills and the valleys:

�Our Father which art in heaven,� I thank God for how we can call God our Father that we can have an intimate relationship with the awesome I Am. He is he all-powerful God reaching down to wrap His arms around us, calling us His children.

�Hallowed be thy name.� I thank God for his holy character and reputation; for who God is, was and is to come; for all that God has done for us, and will do for us. When we pray calling on His name, we know that He is faithful and will always be there.

�Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.� I thank God that He is ruler over our lives and all the earth. And we, if being in His kingdom, are His subjects who should live in obedience to His authority and command. For if we know that God is perfect and holy, why shouldn�t we live in the way of the Lord? For only in Him are things perfect, for only in Him �every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth,� (Luke 3:5).

I thank God for this amazing assurance and comfort knowing that my life is not in my own hands. I thank God that I can look forward towards perfection in heaven, but also that I am challenged to live for Him in the present and to follow His will set out for me.

�Give us this day our daily bread.� I thank God for provision during these past months. Finances are tight but I have never been on an empty stomach or left in want. Physical needs aside; I thank God for feeding me spiritually every day. He has given me direction in my devotions, and guidance to a God-fearing, Bible-believing church � an answer to prayer when I first arrived.

�And forgive our debts,� Above all physical needs, I thank God that my greatest need has been met. That my sins have been forgiven and that I can stand before God in the final days and face judgment, knowing that Jesus has dressed me in righteousness. I thank God that I can come to Him in repentance time and again, knowing that I will be met with His gracious forgiveness.

�As we forgive our debtors.� I thank God that should I be wronged or hurt in anyway, Jesus is able to give us healing, peace, and comfort, because vengeance is His and not mine to take. I thank God that He teaches me how to love others because I know without Him I can show no kindness.

�And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:� I thank God that He has not hid from me. Instead, He has shown me where I am − in sin and unrighteousness − and I can know where I need to be, in righteousness.

�For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.� I thank our awesome Creator God for generously giving all to wretched us. I thank God for his unchangeable character, that He is �the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever� (Hebrews 13:8). May you too find all sufficiency in Him.

Amen.

Xin (pronounced Sing) is a first year Bachelor of Science (Nutrition) student. She absolutely loves to cook and thinks that spring cleaning can be therapeutic.

Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

By Matt Crawford

People need to turn to Jesus so that they can have their sins forgiven and live eternally in heaven with God. This is a true statement and one I�m sure many of us would agree with. Similar statements would often be used when sharing the gospel with others. But where is the emphasis being placed?

I've been reading through the book of Exodus lately. God's people, the Israelites, are currently in Egypt, ruled over by the Pharaoh of the time in quite an unfair and oppressive manner. The time has come for God to take His chosen people to the land He promised them a few hundred years ago. Moses is God's selected man to lay the message down for Pharaoh to let them go. Despite God�s choosing, Moses isn't heaps keen to do the job, and takes a bit of convincing (plus the knowledge of God going with him, and assistance provided in his brother) before he moves to action.

What struck me is the leading motivation behind it all. In God's messages, there is a big emphasis on God Himself. When God first talks to Moses he declares �I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob� (Ex 3:6). It is said Pharaoh will let the Israelites go because of God�s mighty hand (Ex 6:1). The Israelites were to partake in the Passover as a remembrance of God�s salvation for their nation (Ex 13:14). Of course there is much narrative telling of the many plagues given to Egypt, and the amazing tale of Israel�s escape through the sea. Yet it appears that the big reason that all of this is happening is the fact that God is God.

Often the motivation given for people turning to Jesus is the benefits for them: they will have their sins forgiven, they will be pure in God�s right, and they will be able to go to heaven.

But how often is God being God the motivation? God is our maker and deserves all human praise, and then more! The fact that He is this deserving and we turn away from Him greatly emphasises the depth of our sin. The reality is we are saved due to God being God. Just as it was when God saved Israel, the reason God so loved the world to send Jesus as a sacrifice was for His glory.

Does this make God an egomaniac? That would be a great misunderstanding. When people are termed 'egomaniac' it has negative connotations, commenting on a person's unhelpful desire to be recognised or looked on by their peers.

But God isn't a person. He doesn't have peers. The crucial difference is that while there may be a certain amount of glory deserved by a person, the glory God deserves is limitless. Applying human standards to God will always fall short of the truth. It needs to go the other way round. God has no equal. Later on in Exodus, in response to His saving works, Moses leads the Israelites in singing: �Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?� (Ex 15:11).

I wonder if there is a danger of under emphasising the need for people to turn to Jesus due to him being utterly deserving of our obedience. A gospel message focused solely on a person�s outcomes could boil down to being an issue of convenience. I�m not saying we shouldn�t be eternally thankful for God's amazing love shown in Jesus and the saving effects it has for us. But if our potential gain is the sole reason for following God, that still seems to be dangerously close to selfish − and therefore sinful − territory.

Through Exodus I have been reminded afresh that God needs to be followed because, by definition, He deserves it. It is a great comfort that God�s motivation for loving us is his glory � you can�t get any bigger than that! I have also been challenged to make sure that when I am presenting the gospel, I shouldn�t shy away from pointing out that God needs to be followed, not just because of the benefits us for us, but because God deserves to be treated as God.

Matt Crawford is a second(ish) year Information Technology student. He is consistently amused by the uni ducks. They are awesome.

By Karina Brabham

I�m a creative writing student so words are important to me. Lately I�ve been realising how important they can be in constructing meaning. We have a whole level of communication based on words and the agreed meanings each holds. Basically each word is a signpost to a meaning.

God has chosen to communicate with us through words, or rather �The Word�. He has an important message for all of humanity and through the Bible we can discover what God has to say to us. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us how useful God�s words can be to us:

�All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.�

We know we can trust the Bible because it is �God-breathed�, it comes from Him. Thus these words lead us into a greater understanding of God, and are the basis for what we as Christians believe.

However, the Bible we read today is also a translation. This means that sometimes a word written in its original language will not always carry over its full meaning when translated. There is even more of a problem when a few words are changed/omitted/added in a translation. It might seem like adding a conjunction in here or changing a verb tense there might not be that dangerous, but when it comes to the Word of God it can.

Take the beginning of the Gospel of John for example. In the English Standard Version the first verse is translated �in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God�. In another translation the last phrase of the verse has been printed as �the Son was of God�. That little �of� can entirely change how that phrase is interpreted. The implication is that the Word and God are not the same being, rather that Jesus came from God. It can challenge ideas of Jesus being one and the same with God and the concept of the Trinity.

Maybe this seems like a bit of a leap? I mean it was just an �of� right? Well what if I revealed that the second version of John 1:1 is the Joseph Smith Translation. Joseph Smith was a key figure in Mormonism. In the Mormon concept of the Trinity God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are three separate entities united by the same purpose. And once the identity of Jesus as God is called into question other foundational truths of the Bible become shaky. Such as how can Jesus offer us forgiveness for our sins through his sacrificial death if he wasn�t the one wronged in the first place? If sin is disobeying God�s will and it is God who judges us, what right does this man Jesus have (whether he lived a perfect life and claims God as patriarch or not) to offer us forgiveness?

Returning to the 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we are advised to use Scripture for correcting and rebuking. The Word of God is the authority against which all teachings should be held up. When it comes to translations it is always useful to have an understanding of the original text in its original language. However, the majority of us aren�t ever going to be scholars in Ancient Greek, so how can we know what we read in the bible hasn�t been revised to blasphemous results?

I�d suggest comparing what you read, especially passages you aren�t sure of the meaning of, against other parts of the bible � always keeping in mind the context of the passage. I have also found it useful to look at different translations, as this can offer a wider understanding of what is actually meant as well as showing up bad translations.

Language is an important tool in our society. It is not something that should be taken for granted. I believe it is critical that we question the way words are used, and consider why certain words have been selected to suggest a particular meaning. God�s messages to us are sacred, and to manipulate or change His words is serious. The book of Revelation ends in this manner:

�I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city� (Rev 22:18-19).

Karina is 3rd year creative writing. She feels self-conscious about writing this bio because she knows the particular words she uses may influence how you perceive her. She also finds it odd to talk about herself in third person.

By Michelle Barker

It�s been approximately one month, one day, twelve and a half hours, seven minutes and eighteen seconds since the conclusion of Jesus Week 2010 [I say approximately because a) Maths has never been my strong point so my calculations could be a bit wrong and b) the time past really is dependent on the time when you eventually read this!]. Anyway, the exact specifics aside, it�s worthwhile spending some time post-Jesus Week reflecting on how we can continue to be open in speaking about Jesus and the hope of salvation that he offers.

Firstly, the basis of all evangelism is the gospel, so as Christians we need to continually return to the gospel ourselves to make sure that we�ve got it �straight�! While it may seem self-evident, if you�re anything like me you continually face the temptation of warping the gospel by being legalistic, trying to work to earn your salvation and falling into religiosity (the very thing that Jesus hates � see Matthew 23).

The apostle Paul addresses this very problem in the book of Galatians. He lovingly chastises the church there for �turning to a different gospel� � a gospel of legalism − which is a distortion of the true gospel of Christ. Paul�s language highlights the seriousness of this issue. He says �you are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace� (Galatians 5:4). We need to know and be living out God�s gospel, as revealed in the Bible, which is his power for salvation.

So what is the true gospel that we are looking to share? It is the fantastic news �that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me� (1 Corinthians 15:3-8).

In this section of Corinthians, Paul sets out the very real and trustworthy basis for our salvation � that Jesus died and was raised to life and was subsequently seen by many witnesses. The testimony of these witnesses proves that Jesus� death (which is the basis for our hope of resurrection � see the rest of chapter 15) is a real historical event that is a solid foundation for faith.

In addition to this, the passage also emphasises God�s foreknowledge and planning in bringing this whole event about � Jesus� death and resurrection occurred �in accordance with the Scriptures�. Jesus is the one who fulfils the prophecies that were given thousands of years before his birth that God�s servant would come to be �wounded for our transgressions� and �crushed for our iniquities� that we might be healed by his wounds (Isaiah 53:5). And finally Jesus dies �for our sins� to bring us salvation (1 Corinthians 15:2)!

This is so much better than the gospel of legalism! We need to be continually reminding ourselves that the gospel is all about grace! And that God�s grace and blessing is extended to all people (as God promised to Abraham back in Genesis 12) through the cross of Jesus.

Secondly, I think that we need to continue to understand and consider the serious consequences of the gospel. Tonight my mum was telling me about a conversation she had with a neighbour whose wife passed away on Sunday evening. As she told me about how he had sat with his late wife for a time before having to leave her behind, I was struck by the horrible reality of death (which I so often suppress and ignore).

Death signals the end of relationships here on earth. And yet even more horrible than this is that for many people, death also signals judgement and eternal separation from relationship with God. In fact, Jesus says that today people who do not believe the gospel are �condemned already� and facing judgement (John 3:18).

The reality of this truth should impact us profoundly. So please keep turning back to the gospel , encourage, exhort and spur on your brothers and sisters in Christ, pray, pray, pray for your friends who do not trust in Him and speak to others of the hope that you have for salvation in Christ.

Michelle is 5th year education (formerly Arts!). She loves to eat Coco Pops on the weekend for breakfast. She is so thankful for the five years she�s spent at ECU.

By Jon Baird

Christians usually understand that guys should �step up and take the lead� when going out with a girl. But what does that actually mean? What does it look like? What if your girlfriend has certain expectations of what you should be doing, but it�s completely different from what you think you need to do? Here are some tips (and though I�m writing to guys, girls are smart(er) and will be able to adapt their reading appropriately):

1. Leading in godliness
Guys, do you seek to know and trust God yourself? How then can you seek to lead her in godliness? Christian girls will want a godly man to lead them in talking about God, understanding God, modelling godliness, and leading in prayer. How can you do this? Reading the bible yourself is important and there are many ways to start and keep going (ask around if you need help � it�s a great question to be asking each other!). Involvement in a small group bible study and making church a non-negotiable for yourself (and her if you can, but at least for yourself) are also important. As far as praying, what do you pray for? List out your prayers for the next little while and see what they gravitate towards. It�s also good to keep asking yourself: how am I going in saying no to sin and yes to godliness? This leads us to a not-so-different second point �

2. Leading in purity
Who is the one to put the reign on your physicality as a couple? Who sets the boundaries? Who is the one trying most in this area? If it�s your girlfriend for any of these, the next question is − how are you actually leading in this area? Why not seek some advice from a trusted, older Christian bloke? And is there a trusted mate that you can share accountability with? To let these matters slide by unchecked is unwise and dangerous. What ways can you start leading in purity now? Is your computer secure from porn? Sign up for Covenant eyes or x3watch tonight, and downgrade your phone plan to cut off internet access if you know you have to. You might also need to consider how your public conduct as a couple affects other brothers & sisters (eg. are you overly affectionate?).

3. Taking the initiative
This has been assumed in the first two already. But taking the initiative also includes thinking ahead of time about her needs before your own. Of course, her needs are met most fully in the gospel of Christ crucified and risen (neither of you are each other�s Saviour: you cannot save your girlfriend, nor can she save you). So initiative will mean returning to the gospel regularly. Other matters might include initiating in communication (including tough conversations that need to be had), spending time with each other�s family, and wisely spending time apart. Which brings us to �

4. Other friends
Girls are more relational than guys. So your girlfriend might have other girl friends for support, but do you have the same support network from Christian brothers? Work on your relationships with guy friends too. Having other guy friends is important in growing as a man, as a Christian, and as a potential husband. It�s also hugely important and healthy for all Christian couples to have good friends and support outside of each other.

Of course, much of this still goes for blokes who aren�t in a relationship at the moment. Hopefully it�s the sort of thing we can be asking each other about more and more, as we seek to honour Christ together through our struggles and successes. And while there isn�t a single bible reference in this article, much of 1 Thessalonians comes to mind as we�ve heard preached recently at Lunchtime Bible Talk. Why not start by meditating on Paul�s letter some more?

Jon is married to Morwenna, training in ministry with ECU and FOCUS, and a slow learner (just ask Morwenna).