At the very heart of the Gospel is the Christian’s reality of what the reformer Martin Luther coined – Simul Justus et Peccator. Simul – where we get the word simultaneous; at the same time. Justus – just; righteous. Et – and. Peccator – sinner. This Latin phrase captures two realities, two truths about the believer’s very essence –
Continue readingThis past Sunday we learned that while people usually expect satisfaction in life to result from the successful achievement of some goals they have set for themselves, the real and sustainable satisfaction comes from accomplishing God’s will for one’s life. Even when we are aware of this and focus on
Continue readingDear Members and friends of IBCZ, These last few weeks we heard in the sermons how Abraham came to Canaan. In the beginning of his walk with God he had ups and downs trusting God. We may experience the same feelings he had those days also now, thousands of years
Continue readingA terse definition from a popular dictionary is: “Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others”. A more modern dictionary indicates: “Compassion motivates people to go out of their way to help the physical, mental, or emotional pains of another”. There is a well know
Continue readingNot long ago, we had an interesting discussion at the dinner table, namely to what extent does it matter if I pray? After all, God knows what I want to say, he knows what I need and He has already made up his mind on this or that issue? In
Continue readingLast Sunday we considered the fascinating account in Gen. 18 of Abraham inquiring of God if God would spare the evil town of Sodom if a certain number of righteous people could be found there. Abraham asked God, “What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, The Apostle Paul wrote in Phil. 3:14, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” When I was in seminary, I audited a couple courses. That means I did not have to
Continue readingThis Sunday following our worship service, we will have our “Finger Food Pot-Luck Fellowship Lunch.” At the surface level, this may seem to be just a fun get-together, an opportunity to enjoy a meal over conversation and probably some laughter. I hope it is that, but I also hope it
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the gift of prayer. Through prayer God invites us to bring all our concerns and joys to Him. Scripture assures us that as we pray according to His will, God answers. In prayer, we
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, Have you quit yet? Quit what? A New Year’s Resolution – if you made one. If you did, there is a good chance you have given up on it by now. The most common Resolution has to do with physical fitness – exercising more
Continue reading
