Call to start a new life

In Athens – the center of knowledge in the time of the apostles – Paul becomes very indignant at the sight of so many temples and idols (Acts 17). He is then called to account by the Greek philosophers. But in his response Paul calls them to account (verse 30): God commands all people everywhere to begin a new life. Next Sunday we’ll let this sink in: have you started yet?

 

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Problems of Family Living

Problems of Family Living

The church is like a family. Reading through the book of Acts we see the first people sharing their prayers and resources as brothers and sisters. But family life can also be difficult. The first problems in the early church – this new rapid growing family – became manifest along a line which would be a problem for many years to come: the subtle distinction between ethnic and linguistic groupings and the question of their relative status within the new family.

See you Sunday!

Hans-Jan Roosenbrand

 

Conversion

Before Paul became a Christian, he lived strictly according to Jewish laws. After his conversion Paul became the most famous preacher of the gospel. He writes about his conversion as a radical change: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal. 2:20). Next sunday the sermon is about the change of conversion. Where does it start? What is it? And what are its consequences?

No other Name?!

Soon after the execution of Jesus two of his followers were arrested by the Jerusalem authorities. Unlike in Delft today, everywhere the apostles went, there was a riot. What was it about their message which got the authorities, and others, so alarmed and angry? Wouldn’t it be simply great news to know that Jesus was alive and well and was providing a wonderful rescue operation? The answer is: not if you were already in power. Next Sunday we listen to this story and try to understand what it can mean for us, today. We also celebrate Holy Communion. Welcome!