Children love learning to count. There is delight in their eyes when they master one to ten, and genuine pride when they can make it to a hundred.

Perhaps my generation, beginning school in the 1950’s, was the first to have a new challenge: counting backwards! We all learned it: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, zero, … we have liftoff! Usually we kids shouted “blast-off” at the end, as if that were a new number after zero. We loved it!

Watching space launches was big, show-stopping news. Everyone, young and old, stopped whatever else they were doing to watch a rocket launching into space.

The word “launchpad” also came into common use, and by analogy was used to describe the starting point for any momentous event.

The Bible book we call Nehemiah might be given a sort of nickname: Launchpad preparation for the coming Kingdom. Indeed, a launchpad must be in superb order for a successful launch. The man of God, Nehemiah understood this well.

The story of Nehemiah’s launchpad preparation begins this Sunday. Stop whatever else you might be tempted to do this Sunday and join us, getting ready for the countdown to the Kingdom.

The Lord is Gracious!

Bob Landon.

TREASURE SEEKERS

Treasure Seekers resumes this Sunday with the kids at ICFD starting to look at the life of Abraham. Please can Explorers kids bring their bibles?
After his judgement of the world for their rebellion at Babel, God calls Abraham and makes a threefold promise to him. This promise will shape God’s dealings with Abraham, his descendants and the world from that point onwards. The promise involves land, descendants and blessing for the entire world. Abraham needs to respond to the promise in faith. The Treasure Seekers series traces Abraham’s growing understanding of what it means to trust God despite the many obstacles that appear to stand in the way of God keeping his promise. There are times when Abraham takes matters into his own hands and does not fully trust God. But, as always, disobedience to God’s word results in pain and broken relationships and Abraham learns this the hard way. However, Abraham grows through these experiences and this is finally seen in his response to the ultimate test of faith — his willingness to sacrifice his own son at God’s command. God spares Isaac’s life and confirms his promise to Abraham. The threefold promise is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the only beloved son who was not spared on the mountain, but died and rose again to bring blessing to all people.

Title: Calling Abraham
Text: Genesis 11:27 – 12:9
Big Idea: Despite the whole world proudly rebelling against God, he makes a great promise to Abraham. Abraham believes God and does what he says.
Aim: To teach that we can trust our gracious God and obey him because he keeps his promises.

Welcoming services | August / September

The International Christian Fellowship Delft is a friendly church, warmly welcoming students and other internationals. To welcome those who are new at Delft, we offer some welcoming services. You are so welcome, regardless (non-)religious background, to join, meet friends and hear inspiring music and impactful words, in the monumental Nieuwe Kerk.

We gladly invite you to get to know ICF Delft in our welcoming services on 17, 24 and 31 August and on 7 September. On 31 August we start a new series of sermons, with the theme: Welcome to another world.

For more information…..