Probably one of the biggest reasons that Christianity began to grow rapidly in the beginning of the first millennium, was that its fruits were incredibly attractive. Compassion, equality, freedom, fearlessness, to be part of world-wide loving and loved family – such fruits and many more had never shown up in the ancient world nor in any culture. Ironically enough, though classical Christianity today is more and more rejected and in decline in large parts of the modern western world, these fruits still enjoy increasing world wide popularity. But would it work to enjoy the fruit and at the same time, to cut down the tree? The early Christians to whom the apostle John wrote his letter, had faced a traumatic schism. A group of people had left them. They claimed to know God. And they condemned the group that remained to be legalistic, judgemental and wrong. They formed a new church. Those who were left behind must have felt confused, shocked, maybe even a bit attracted to join that group. But then John wrote his letter. He unmasks the new, fake version of Christianity. They wanted the fruit, but they cut down the tree. Upcoming Sunday we continue to read I John (1:5-2:2) and we will see how extremely relevant it still is for us today.

TREASURE SEEKERS

In the coming months, the children at ICF Delft will continue to learn about God’s redeeming purpose through the history of the kingdom of Israel.  King David is the central figure, pointing of course to the Lord Jesus, the “true and better” David.  This week: Ruth, who was King David’s great-grandmother.  Kids aged 3-7 are welcome at Discoverers, and kids aged 7-11 at Explorers!

Lesson Title: Sweet Redemption
Text: Ruth 3:1 – 4:22
Big Idea: Naomi planned to have Boaz redeem them by marrying Ruth; Boaz graciously agreed and through them God kept his promise to redeem all his people.
Aim: To teach that God uses ordinary means and seemingly insignificant people to keep his promise to redeem the world through his son, Jesus.