This week’s theme: “Stand firm, and you will win in life.“
Scripture Readings for this week:
Old Testament: Isaiah 12*
Psalms: Isaiah 65:17-25*
Epistle: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13*
Gospel: Luke 21:5-19*
(*click for online Bible)
Pastor Chee introduces this week’s theme:
We are nearly at the end of the church’s year. In two weeks, we will be celebrating Advent 1 which starts off the new year. Our Gospel reading today is rather somber and brings a word to heed in these current times.
Indeed as world leaders meet in Egypt for COP 27, our attention is drawn to the alarm expressed that the earth is in dire straits. There is no longer any doubt something is amiss with our world’s weather. This year alone, we have listened to and seen enormous catastrophic events all over the world caused by natural forces.
We have also witnessed the disastrous situation in Ukraine where the conflict continues. Fears are rising that nuclear warfare may be engaged if the situation continues.
As we recall the words of Jesus, more than 2000 years ago, it seems that Jesus’ words are being fulfilled today. There have been situations in the past when people have thought the end has arrived. So it is not a surprise that there will be those today who are fearful.
However, the passage is not given to us so that we may fear. Rather, it is given to us that we may take heed. This is not the end but rather the beginning. It calls for stout hearts in the midst of calamities. We cannot give up. So the last sentence of the text reads – Stand firm, and you will win life.
Come this Sunday and join us in worship and listening to Jesus’ words for our times.
Blessings,
Chee
Sunday School is now meeting again for young children during part of the worship time (see below)
ICB Choir: If you enjoy singing, please join in by arriving about 45 minutes before the service for practice. All are welcome, even if you have little experience.
Notes about in-person and online worship:
Now the worst of the pandemic is over, Sunday Morning Worship is now for inperson attendance only at Student Christian Center (SCC). We believe it is high time we joined together in person again and start to rebuild our community. Please make every effort to join us in person.
Zoom relay is not now available for all, though there are a few exceptions.
Exceptions: For a limited period, Zoom will continue to be made available but only to those who are
a) unwell or with disabilities preventing their travel to SCC
b) living or travelling in the provinces or abroad.
These people, a) and b), who wish to worship via Zoom are asked to contact Pastor Chee via email before the service.
They will receive an email reply with a special meeting code and password.
Contact: minister@icbangkok.org |