The Weekly Epistle 1/29/20

Former quarterback John Brodie for the San Francisco 49ers was asked, “Why does a million-dollar player like you have to hold the ball for the kicker of field goals and extra points?”  
“Well,” Brodie replied, “If I didn’t the ball would fall over.”
 
You don’t get any more basic than that.  We must never forget the fundamental basics of the spiritual life. My first Sunday at EBC almost 5 years ago, I spoke on the basic need for us to remain in Christ.  The challenge at that time was to never forget the importance of regular communion with the Lord and the necessity of dependence on Him.  As Jesus said in John 15, “Apart from me you can do nothing.”  That need hasn’t changed.  
 
Our values at EBC are basic but essential.  There are five of them and they all are rooted in God’s Word, particularly Acts 2:42-47.  We value Scripture, one another, prayer, worship, and outreach.  These are our constants!  They are what drive us as a church.  While all five are to be behind all we do, there are times that a certain value is emphasized.  The commitment to Scripture is one that has been emphasized lately.  We are to be people of the book.  God’s Word is our livelihood.  
 
Many of you have picked up a copy of the Bible reading plan that goes along with our current sermon series on The Greatest Story from Cover to Cover.  It is not too late to get a copy.  They are located at ministry counter.
 
The next women’s Bible study is also about getting into God’s Word.  The study will be on Saturdays from 9:00-11:00 for seven weeks, beginning February 15^th.  You can pick up a copy of the book that will tie into that study at the ministry counter.  Books are still available to purchase, or donated books are available and can be picked up Sunday.
 
There is a four-week Sunday School Class beginning this Sunday at 9:00 in room 102.  This study will be an overview of the book of Proverbs on “Wisdom and the will of God.”  Why does wisdom matter in our daily decisions?  How does the book of Proverbs help us to attain the wisdom needed to discern the will of God?  Come to this class and find out.
 
We value prayer as a church.  Prayer happens in many different settings and spontaneously as a situation calls for it at that moment.  Take a minute to check out the prayer and praise section of this epistle. 
 
But there is something beautifully unifying as we gather to pray corporately.  On February 16, I would urge you to join with others for “prayer 30.”  It is 30 minutes of praying for the church family and our community.  It will take place following the second service from 12:15-12:45. I hope you will attend.  Also, on Sunday, March 15 from 6:00-7:00 there is a “Fellowship of Prayer” as we gather for singing and fellowship together around prayer.  “Prayer Builders” meets the first Sunday of each month from 10:20-10:35 in the room behind the stage.  We meet this Sunday!
 
Don’t forget to save the date for the marriage conference here at EBC on April 3-4.  Sign up for the conference and workshops will take place the end of February.  
 
Blessings to you, Pastor Brian