Last Tuesday the new season of the Dutch parliament started with the king’s speech. The speech started with a reference to the achievements of the Dutch athletes at the Summer Olympics. We may be a tiny country, yet we may be proud of what we have achieved and can achieve – the message was something like that. It is a very common thing to base your identity on what you perform and achieve. However, there is a huge risk in that. What is your value, once you are not able to achieve so much? Are those who achieve much more than others of greater value than those who hardly seem to contribute anything? Thinking in worldly ways can easily creep into the minds of Christians, creep into the church and lead to dissension and trouble.

Upcoming Sunday we read on in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (Chapter 4:1-16). All Christians receive a portion and gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, not all receive the same portion – says Paul in verse 7. Such a difference, not only as regards the kinds of gifts, but even as regards the amount of giftedness might easily lead to trouble. Either to boasting and pride, or to envy, to jealousy. It seems to make unity among Christians hard, if not impossible. The difficult and important question is why Christ does not distribute equal amounts of spiritual gifts. The answer Paul gives in this passage is – as we will see – perfectly satisfying and most encouraging.

You are so welcome to join and to learn more.

Jos Slager

TREASURE SEEKERS

This week at Treasure Seekers, the kids continue with the book of Esther.  Children aged approx. 3-7 are welcome at Discoverers, and aged approx. 8-11 at Explorers.  Please can Explorers kids bring their bibles?

Lesson Title: The Queen’s Feast

Text: Esther 5:1 – 7:10

Big Idea: Haman (the enemy of the Jews) tried to kill Mordecai, but Esther asked the king for help and Haman was killed instead!

Aim: To teach that God’s timing is perfect – he always defeats his enemies at just the right time.

The memory verse for the Esther series is: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

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