Many things are happening in the world, these days. They may frighten us. We may wonder what we can do about these things and where this will all lead. Yet sometimes we feel we cannot do so much. We may wonder: what is God doing? The heart of the Christian faith is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is not primarily something that we have to do, or something that God may or should do today. The Gospel informs us about something marvelous and extraordinary that God has already done for us. He sent his Son into this world, to obtain the greatest victory ever. He gave his Son, the Savior, as a gift, that through Jesus we might have eternal life, joy, peace and hope. Christ ransoms us from a perishing world for the world that is too come.

We may receive this gift for free, by faith. Yet, we may wonder, what does this practically imply for my everyday life?

Upcoming Sunday we continue to read Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. We see that Christ equips believers with a variety of gifts. On the way, during our lives, we may learn to happily use what we received to serve others. And to receive and benefit from what Christ has given to others so that they may build us up as well.

You are so welcome to join and to learn more!

Jos Slager

TREASURE SEEKERS

In the coming weeks at Treasure Seekers, the children will learn from the lives and stories of Ezra and Nehemiah — the returning of God’s people from exile.  They will learn that buildings, laws, religion and good intentions cannot change our sinful hearts — we need to be spiritually renewed.  And we pray that they will see how all of God’s promises to restore his people are fulfilled through Jesus.

Children aged approx. 3-7 are welcome at Discoverers, and aged approx. 8-11 at Explorers.  Please can Explorers kids bring their bibles?

Title: Rebuilding the Temple

Text: Ezra 1:1-11; 3:1 – 4:5; 5:1 – 6:22

Big Idea: Through Cyrus, God kept his promise to bring his people back from exile to the Promised Land so they could rebuild the temple even when others tried to stop them.

Aim: We can trust God to do what he has promised for his people even when others try to interfere.

The memory verse for the Ezra-Nehemiah series is: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20a).

ICFD Kids and Youth Ministry
“Every child knowing Christ’s love”