Dear brothers and sisters at IBCZ The Elders wish you all a Happy New Year, but no, a Hopeful New Year in the Biblical sense. It strikes me the reason some may dread the passing of yet another Callander year is the fact that in the west, at least, for
Continue readingGrowing up as a fervent Jewish nationalist and Pharisee, Paul’s early life was marked by an extraordinary religious zeal. Already as a child, Paul was sent to Palestine to learn from the famous rabbi Gamaliel. He learned to master Jewish history and how to dissect Scripture. Later in his life,
Continue readingThis week I would like to share a quote from a writer named Peter Larson. I won’t make any comments on it; rather I invite you to take a few moments and ponder the depth of truth in this short statement. “Despite our efforts to keep him out, God intrudes.
Continue readingFor the past two weeks, I have used this blog to make a few additional points from the passage of Scripture we considered during worship a few weeks ago. Paul wrote in Phil. 3:10-11, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, Have you ever had an experience that was so enjoyable, even so exhilarating that you didn’t want it to end; you just wanted it to last and last? Perhaps it was a magnificent concert where the music thrilled the hearts of the audience. The
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, Have you ever wished that could access some of the best Christian teaching available? Have you ever longed for a source of practical wisdom to help you in your walk with Christ, your marriage, in parenting, in leadership development, or in understanding more fully
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, One of the best aspects of my seminary experience was meeting weekly with three fellow students. We came from very diverse backgrounds, yet God knit our hearts together as we gathered for breakfast, along with Bible reflection, prayer, and sharing our needs, joys, and
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, This week Daniela and I had our first German class. We both have a bit of a background in German, but let’s just say we have a long way to go! I know most of you have been in the same situation, whether that
Continue readingDaniela and I have been here for almost two months now. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many of you, and look forward to getting to know all who are a part of IBCZ in the coming weeks and months. It has especially been gratifying these past couple
Continue readingDear Members and Friends of IBCZ, Last Sunday we considered the first half of the Great Commandment, that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mk. 12:28-34). Along with loving our neighbor (the second half of the Great Commandment), Jesus said there is no
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