Christian community

What does it mean to be a Christian?

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What does it mean to be a Christian?

Do people call themselves Christian because they keep a set of special convictions? Or do they maintain certain practices that others do not have? Many people are called Christians because they are born in a Christian family, or a Christian culture, or because they maintain a set of rules or practices.

In his letter to the Colossians the apostle Paul touches very different things related to the Christian identity. He explains the change from an old pattern of life toward a new identity in Jesus. This new identity is still rather hidden, but at the same time very promising and hopeful. In the ‘old’ we discover signs of self-centredness, stress and failure, but in the ‘new’ we may welcome something that goes beyond the identity-markers of our culture like work, reputation, nation, family, including. How is this possible?

Explore more about the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of being a Christian, in the church service on 4th of August in the New Church, 12 hrs 30. We read from Paul’s letter to the Colossians chapter 3 verses 1-17.

Pastor Niek Tramper

 

 

 

Vibrant Church – the Style of a Christian Fellowship, May 27

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Vibrant Church – the Style of a Christian Fellowship 

Style and design are important in life. Most people prefer certain style in clothing or in decorating their home. Style is everywhere; in the way we organize our mealtimes, celebrate parties, and bring our children to bed. Also in a PhD or inauguration ceremony at university, in a political summit, in a pop concert as well as a football match.  

Which style is characteristic for a Christian community? It is remarkable how spontaneity and style (liturgy) go together. At least this is clear in the reports of the first church in the Bible (in the book of Acts). The fresh Christian community expresses dependence, awe and thankfulness for the living God in different ways and across different cultures. And we will explore why it are so relevant for us today.   

Do you want to participate in the ‘life style’ of Jesus? You must be sure that it isn’t just a formal or outer matter. It relates to a radical inner change that transforms life and that transforms community.  

Come and see, and be involved in our meeting coming Sunday 27th of May, 12 hrs 15. The Bible explanation will be from Acts 2 verses 37-47. This is a special celebration, this time not in the Génestetchurch, but in the famous New Church (on the central market of Delft) that is beautifully restored recently. Till soon! 


Pastor Niek Tramper 

Celebration of Holy Communion  

This Sunday we also celebrate the Holy Communion during the second part of the service. It is special celebration and reminder of what Jesus did for us. We may receive a piece of bred and a tiny cup of wine as signs of his broken body and shed blood. All who confess Him as their Saviour and Lord are welcome to participate. If you search to know God or unsure about (Christian) faith, you may let it pass, but we warmly invite you for a talk or personal prayer after the service. 

 

Dynamic Christian community

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What does it mean to be Christian? Members of a newly established international fellowship in Antioch, Syria (± 40 A.D.) were called ‘Christians’ for the first time. They stood out in their words and behaviour. Discover more about a sincere Christian life and about a dynamic Christian fellowship in the ICF-Delft church service on 23 July!

What does it mean to be Christian?

The first time we hear the name ‘Christian’ is in Antioch around the year 40 A.D. A new international fellowship arose in that city (the third city in the Roman Empire). This happened because some Jewish followers of Jesus where scattered around by persecution, moved around, reached the city of Antioch and began to announce the Gospel of Jesus to the Greeks there. This was a new step and outsiders in the city used the nickname ‘Christians’ because their behaviour was notable.

Breakthrough despite suffering

We find the dynamics of this young fellowship in the book of Acts, chapter 11 and 13. The Christian community in Antioch reflects a real breakthrough of the Gospel despite suffering and opposition. Because it crosses many barriers of language and culture. Here you find a compassionate church, caring for the needs of others and a sending church. Because they sent off their best leaders to bring the Gospel to other nations. Being a Christian means participating in this dynamics that includes pain of suffering and joy of breakthroughs. By the way you still can visit the first built Christian church in Antioch that is a city in the south of Turkey now.

Discover more

Discover many more interesting and important marks of a sincere Christian life and a dynamic Christian community! This Sunday, 23 July in the church service of ICF-Delft, 12 hrs 15, Génestet Church, Oude Delft 102. Looking forward to meeting you there! Pastor Niek Tramper.