Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ, We definitely love being surprised – at least in some areas of our lives. At our birthdays for instance related to any presents we might receive. Or on the occasion of an invitation for an outing organized by friends who don’t yet reveal the
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, Death is a scary thing. Of course, as believers in Jesus Christ we can be all relaxed about the life after this one. Yet, when we are honest, death does still remain a scary thing. At least it’s a great mystery that surrounds the
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, When reading through the letters that Jesus dictates to John for the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 one can be left with an uneasy feeling. Jesus sends messages to the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea – and
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, The struggle to face a new reality can be tremendous. Some downright reject it, or react to a new situation by falling into coping mechanisms. These give them a form of comfort – like relaxation practices or physical activities. Although some of them can
Continue readingLast Sunday we explored the relevance of names in scripture – in general, and with regards to the life of Jacob in particular. A name tends to signify and refer to the personhood of its bearer and as such it is much more than just a way to address someone.
Continue readingLast Sunday we looked at the topic of hell and the related concept of eternal death and suffering. As we read and contemplate the words of Jesus Christ on this subject, we might find our hearts and minds heavy with thoughts about those we love but don’t seem to be
Continue readingI’ve just finished making this year’s advent wreath as the time of advent is about to start and soon it’s again time to light the first candle. “I know nothing about the tradition of advent wreaths!” was the remark of a sister in Christ at our church, who is a
Continue readingThe email sent by the leadership of the after-school care center of our daughter informed my wife and I that they plan to ‘celebrate’ Halloween with various activities. The children would not just have one but multiple events to look forward to, incl. a little tour around the neighborhood for
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, As Jesus reinstates Peter in John 21:15-19 as a disciple and leader for His church, he allowed Peter to confirm Jesus publicly as many times as he had previously denied him in the court yard of the high-priest. And while Peter wouldn’t dare to
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, This week sees the year 2020 finally come to an end. More than in other years our hearts are filled with the hope that with the turning of our calendar pages more than just the month and the year will change. We all hope
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