This week’s theme: “Looking down and looking up“
Scripture Readings for this week:
Old Testament: Joel 2:23-32*
Psalms: Psalm 65*
Epistle: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18*
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14*
(*click for online Bible)
Pastor Chee, our minister, introduces this week’s theme:
Here’s another parable of Jesus in the Gospel text. Right from the start, we are given the intention of the parable in verse 9. There is no ambiguity here.
The Pharisee was there to tell God his illustrious credentials. He reminded God of his good deeds and uprightness of life. Obviously, he sees no fault of his own. In telling this parable, Jesus made no imperfection to be found in the Pharisee.
However, there is a hint to a fault in the Pharisee – he looked down on the tax collector. Standing there before God, he felt justified and looked with contempt on the person next to him.
On the other hand, the tax collector’s prayer was focused on God and pleaded for mercy from the throne of grace.
Who do we identify with, I wonder? The question prompts us to self-evaluate so that we may not display the arrogance of the Pharisee but remain contrite in God’s presence.
This Sunday, Mr. Bob Scott from Life Raft International will be the preacher. Please make him feel welcome.
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 will be 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 |