Advancing the Work of Jesus! Welcome to our weekly newsletter
Mark your diary!!! Which Way Forward for ICB?
See below for important brainstorming gathering on Saturday 21st August from 9.30am – (on Zoom) All who love ICB invited to take part
Let’s Join together this Sunday!
8th 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: “Speaking Truth” Our Scripture Readings: Epistle:Ephesians 4:25-5:2* and Gospel: John 6: 35, 6:41-51*(*click to open the Bible pages)
Pastor Chee’s message:
As I mentioned last week, there are several levels of thought about John’s version of the Feeding of the 5,000.
On the surface, there was the actual feeding of 5,000 people with five loaves and two fishes from a young boy. This is the level that most are comfortable with. Whether, you see this as a miracle of multiplication or an act of sharing of food, one thing is clear – we continue with the feeding of the masses.
Next comes the discourse on whether physical food can satisfy all of one’s hunger. We see Jesus speaking on a level that is perhaps baffling to the simple folks. All that they were truly interested in was to have their bellies filled. To inform them that there is food that will satisfy all hunger will only lead them to demand for more.
Today, we hear Jesus proclaiming that he is the bread of life. How do we take his words that, if we come to Jesus, we will never be hungry or believe in him and we will never be thirsty?
Clearly, this was an invitational message. The people had flocked to Jesus BUT they did not receive him nor believe in him. All that they were clamouring for was that he offered healing, miracles and food. They were there not for the GIVER but for what was given.
So often in life, we are thankful for what is given but have little appreciation for the Giver. So out of the ten lepers who were healed, only one returned to give thanks. At Christmas, I hope we are able to teach little ones to give thought to the Giver rather than to the gift received.
Paul takes this further in exhorting the Ephesian Christians to copy their lives after the Bread of Life. Each of us are to be “bread of life” to others too. The pattern of our living must reflect Christ to the world.
Blessings
Chee
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!
You can buy this book printed or on Kindle at Amazon.com or frombloemberg.orgIf 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 4 of the book. If you would like a short summary of previous chapters, please send an email to the minister. minister@icbangkok.org
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)
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 on Sunday, 22nd August.)
In 2021, BIT has trained 100+ young aspiring servants of God.
While Sunday School is unable to meet in-person during this time, Parents and carers are reminded that our teachers are posting materials for children on Facebook (Click Here).
You are welcome to email Kru Fah at children.icb@gmail.com
ICB’s ‘Line’ chat group ( @ICB Morning Service ) contains last minute news and information. Please feel free to join this. We also post news on our Website and on the ICB FaceBook page.
Missed a sermon?
Want to hear one again?
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