Advancing the Work of Jesus! Welcome to our weekly newsletter
Important for you, ICB and the Community at Large!! Which Way Forward for ICB? We need YOU for our brainstorming gathering NEXT SATURDAY, 21st AUGUST
from 9.30am – (on Zoom) All who love ICB invited to take part scroll down for more details & new announcements
Let’s Join together this Sunday!
15th August 2021
10 am. via Zoom
On-line ONLY
Stay at Home and Please Join us on ZOOM!
(computer, tablet or smartphone)
Due to COVID19 health measures, our worship services until further notice will NOT be in-person
is delivered live on Zoom by our minister, Revd. Chee Keong Yong
Revd. Chee’s sermon is entitled: “We Are What We Eat”
Our Scripture Readings: Epistle: Ephesians 5:15-20*
and Gospel: John 6: 51-58*(*click to open the Bible pages)
Pastor Chee’s writes:On the surface, our sermon theme seems rather like a cliché or it indicates a dietary recommendation. I assure you that it is not intended to be such.
The Gospel reading is rather shocking. Early Christians, especially after Christ’s departure, were hunted down and persecuted by both Jews and Romans. There were claims that Christians then were cannibalistic in that they eat human flesh and drink human blood. We all can recognized how exaggeration can be become fake “truth” when presented with some unwarranted extra details to convince the masses.
Back then, even when Jesus made the utterance about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, it was offensive to the hearers. You will remember that the event began with the feeding of the 5,000. Certainly, the crowd had their fill and requested for more when Jesus said that he could provide food that would satisfy all hunger and thirst.
Certainly, to the hearers, the words from Jesus as we listen from the Gospel reading is going way too far. How do we make sense of it?
Are Christians cannibalistic? This is a debatable question depending on whatever views we hold to concerning the sacrament of Holy Communion. Others who are not familiar with the idea of Holy Communion will certainly take exception to such a practice. Or perhaps, not? Different cultures and religions have differing practices about communing with the deities and the dead.
What then does it mean to partake of the flesh and blood of Jesus? I assure you that it is neither crude nor gross. “We are what we eat” certainly fits in with Jesus’ thoughts in the reading. To be in union with Jesus, we need to partake of him.
Blessings
Chee
Please scroll further below for my announcements about proposed upcoming on-line activities.
I look forward to receiving your responses.
Online Notes about ICB worship on Zoom:
Please come on time and allow a minute or two to connect.
You will be “muted” upon entering the zoom room with the musical prelude on. Please stay muted during the service.
Pastor Chee suggests, “while you listen to the prelude, please pray for the service to run smoothly for God’s glory. There’s plenty of time to chit chat in the break out rooms after the service.”
VISIT our NEW
ICB Sunday School Facebook Page!! HERE
https://www.facebook.com/ICB-Christian-Education-106748784983710
(copy this URL into your browser)
ICB is a fully self-supported congregation.
We gladly receive your donations. KBank a/c 003-1-09408-9
More information on the ICB Website
Thank you!
3 New Announcements from our Minister
1. VISIONING / BRAINSTORMING
(also see panel below)
All are invited to participate by ZOOM on 21st August from 9.30 am. Please make it a point to attend and to share your dreams for ICB. Do not miss the event of the year for the growth of God’s kingdom. The Bible tells us Proverbs 29:18 – Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. Acts 2:17 – ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’ To Join, Click: ZOOM Link or
Meeting ID: 869 6840 9645 Passcode: 060291
2. Explore the Holy Land with Messianic Jew
Would you like to join in on a tour of the Holy Land every Friday in the comfort of your home?
We will never know when physical travel to Israel is possible but I can bring it to you. Sign up by email to the minister asap. minister@icbangkok.org
3. Bible Studies with Dr. David Pawson
Are you interested in doing Bible Studies with Dr David Pawson in the comfort of your home? British Methodist & Baptist minister David Pawson (1930-2020) was a sought-after preacher across the world, authoring 81 books and over 300 videos. He was known for his forthright teaching, often tackling controversial subjects.
I am hoping to schedule this on Mondays. Email the minister asap to express your interest. minister@icbangkok.org
Blessings
Chee
Jerusalem – Holy City of Salem and Truth
Visit many of the biblical sites during our virtual tour of
the Holy Land – guided by our minister, Revd. Chee.
Bible teacher, Dr. David Pawson, who said,
“Don’t believe anything that I taught, unless you can read it for yourself in the Bible.”
All he wanted people to do was to read the Bible for themselves.
The Love of 2 Cities
Hanoi and Bangkok
Do YOU love your (adopted) city? Why not join our study?
What if our church in Bangkok becomes known for its love? Can we transform ICB?
ICB Council and other members have started an online book study on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. (ICT time)
So far, we have looked at the first part. We are encouraging all to join the study, too, as there is still much to learn. ICB supporters who are overseas are also most welcome. ZOOM details are: https://us02web.zoom.us Meeting ID: 850 9388 8359
Passcode: 943786
The book is “Love (Your City)” by Jacob Bloemberg. It is the recent story of how God’s love has grown in Hanoi, Vietnam.
(Summaries of chapters discussed so far can be requested from the minister)
You can buy this book printed or on Kindle at Amazon.com or from bloemberg.org If you have difficulties in obtaining
the book, email the minister and we will try to get you a copy soonest.
This coming Wednesday, will be reviewing and discussing Chapter 5 of the book. If you would like a short summary of previous chapters, please send an email to the minister. minister@icbangkok.org
CHRISTIAN OUTREACH The International Church of Bangkok
partners with Christian ministries throughout Thailand to advance the work of Jesus.
5% of ICB’s yearly total income goes directly to the outreach partners. Members and friends are also encouraged to give directly.
Bank transfers are easy to do and very welcome Please Donate NOW when it’s Most Needed!! KasikornBank (KBank): 003-1-09408-9
Transfer your donation to the ICB Bank account above and please email your transfer confirmation with the message:
“For Outreach: month/year (or name of O/R partner)” office@icbangkok.org
ICB’s August Outreach Partner (2021)
Bangkok Institute of Theology (BIT)
One of the four theological institutions recognised by the Thai government, BIT is the divinity department of the Christian University of Thailand (CUT), located in Nakhon Pathom Province (adjacent to Bangkok, to the West).
BIT strives to accomplish its mission of training servants who can effectively teach God’s Word and help lead the church in accomplishing God’s ministry, both within Thailand and overseas.
BIT students come from all regions of Thailand as well as from neighbouring countries where access is restricted. Many come from different tribal groups whose cultural expressions of worship and costumes are vibrant and colourful. In 2021, BIT has trained over 100 young aspiring servants of God, who has also blessed BIT with 43 incoming students (16 in BA and 27 in the M.Div. program).
Because of the Covid19 pandemic, this year BIT has started an E-Learning format for the M.Div. program, all classes being online.
Also, in the past two years, some 70 students have successfully completed their theological education but have not yet graduated due to COVID-19. They are now undergoing provisional service and will graduate this year.
“BIT highly values our partnership with International Church of Bangkok. Along with the financial support from ICB, we would appreciate your prayer for all the students facing the challenges of COVID-19 Pandemic. Thank you.”
(Ajarn Sam of BIT will join us via zoom
next Sunday, 22nd August.)
In 2021, BIT has trained 100+ young aspiring servants of God.
If you missed any of the recent sermons or would like to hear one or more again, recordings are available from Rev. Chee himself. Please let him know which Sunday(s) you are interested in and he will send you the link.
Send an email to: minister@icbangkok.org
International Church of Bangkok (ICB)
Advancing the Work of Jesus!
ICB is an English language congregation, composed of native and non-native speakers.
We are committed to welcoming people of all backgrounds to Christian worship for a diverse, inclusive and unifying faith experience.
We seek to advance the work of Jesus Christ by promoting and supporting spiritual growth, community and service to others.
Scan these QR Codes to
find out more about
International Church of Bangkok
This upper link will guide you to our
ICB Website
This lower link will guide you to our
ICB Facebook page
For personal inquiries, more information and
church membership, please email
Rev. Chee Keong Yong: minister@icbangkok.org
