We will join together

 this Sunday

19th February 2023

at 10.00 am

Student Christian Centre

Scripture Readings for this week:
Old Testament: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18*
Psalms: Psalm 119:33-40*
Book of Acts: 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23*
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48*
(*click for online Bible)
Pastor Chee introduces this week’s theme:

In the text for the Gospel, Jesus begins by citing a law that is rather familiar in the ancient world – “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” In this day and age, such a law seems rather crude. The law is known as “lex talionis”.  Perhaps, such a law still operates in some societies today. It will be prudent that we do not draw a hasty conclusion on those who still observe such a law.

It may come as a surprise that the law actually contains an element of mercy in that it limits the amount of vengeance. The law does not allow vengeance to go beyond the injury suffered. Thus the punishment for any crime or injury must be equivalent to the damage or injury caused. Furthermore, the punishment can only be laid down by a judge who will assess the case impartially. There are no individual rights given to individuals to exact vengeance.

As we come along with Jesus in the Gospel reading, it seems that he is advocating a newish ethic for those in God’s kingdom. But this is not the case at all. Remember that Jesus does not come to abolish the law. The God of the OT is the same God of the NT.

This is borne out in these two sayings from the Leviticus and Gospel readings –

You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy (Lev 19:2)
You must be perfect. just as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48)

One thing is for sure, this is no mushy love as displayed among Valentine’s Day celebrants. It is not about chocolates and flowers.

Come this Sunday, to know more about God’s way for His people.

*Note: From March 5th, our worship services will relocate back to the Bangkok Christian Centre.

Blessings,

Chee
Sunday School meets for young children during part of the worship time (see below)

ICB Choir: If you enjoy singing, you may join in by arriving about 45 minutes before the service for practice. All are welcome, even if you have little experience. We welcome new singers to take part!

For more news, please keep an eye on the
ICB Sunday School Facebook Page
HERE
https://www.facebook.com/ICB-Christian-Education-106748784983710
(copy this URL into your browser)

Both Members and non-members welcome

At our present location at
SCC Creative Space Coffee Shop
Student Christian Center
328/1 Phyathai Road

A very short walk from BTS Ratchatewi.
Click here for Google maps reference or follow the map near the top of this newsletter.

Please remember the COVID Code:
As still recommended by the health authorities, all are advised to follow social distancing to keep others safe. We have members who have been infected lately and we do not wish others to be also infected. If you are not feeling well, please stay at home. Bottled water is available.

If you plan to come in your own car:
It is best to enter Phayathai Road from the Patumwan intersection (at Discovery Center/MBK) and drive across Hua Chang (elephant head) Bridge, taking the left-most lane. Then, immediately over the bridge, turn left into the SCC/CCT compound just before Evergreen Place and Asia Hotel.
There are limited parking spaces (free) just inside the compound but if full, you can park in the CCT Tower Building at the back of this same compound. Please get your vehicle entry slip stamped at our worship room.

We, at ICB, support displaced individuals and families in Bangkok with regular financial support through Life Raft International.

We also offer congregational, emotional and spiritual assistance.
Who qualifies?
Those who have been granted (or are applying for) recognition as refugees by UNHCR.
Why do we need to help these people?
Ongoing support is needed to help them bridge the gap while they seek and wait for resettlement in another country, which most often takes many years.
UNHCR recognition very rarely means they can live and work freely in their country of asylum.

Owing to several people leaving ICB and Thailand over the past months, the ICB Church Council is seeking people to fill the following positions as soon as possible:

• Outreach – continuing contact with and support for our 8 social service partners
• Worship – overseeing Church services
• Fellowship – organising ICB community activities
• Membership – welcoming new people to our church and maintaining contact with all members.
• Personnel and Property – overseeing needs of our employees and facilities

None of these positions requires specialist skills nor a large amount of time.
All you need is the motivation to help us to develop our ICB community and outreach partners with Jesus as our guide.

To find out more, please contact
Cameron (Council Chair)              or Pastor Chee
cameronmacky91@gmail.com            minister@icbangkok.org

www.icbangkok.org/outreach/

Office Phone Number (Mon-Thur) +66 (0)2-258-5821
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