The Main Thing
Churches do many good things for people. Church people often make good friends. You might meet your future spouse! There are programs for youth and families. Churches are often good places for music lovers. Some have seminars on finances, coping with loss, overcoming addictions, and parenting. These are great ways to serve the community. All these good activities, and many others, are ways a church can show God's love for the world.
I believe Confession of Sin is an important component of worship in our service. As we have had some problems on the 'roll out' in our church. Let's consider...
1. A better understanding of us all that confession of sin is a vital part of our corporate worship and daily walk. We should know 1st of the 95 declarations of Luther 500 years ago...
OPENING HYMN OR SONG / PRAISE
* Short prayers of praise and thanks offered spontaneously from the group.
PERSPECTIVE
* Brief teaching on the importance of united prayer.
* People break into small groups and commit themselves to God.
CONFESSION
* Individuals come to the mic to confess sins on behalf of the people.
* Silent prayers of confession.
* Song of surrender and confession.
* Declaration of God's forgiveness and grace.
* Song of victory and praise.
Dear Celebration Recovery Graduates!
I have been praying for four years that a CR group would begin in BICF ZGC. So, your graduation gives me great joy!
Never have I been happier to write a letter to people I don't know! We leaders of BICF ZGC don't know who takes the CR courses we sponsor. We are happy you are courageous enough to work at your personal growth. Courageous!? Absolutely. The hours you have spent trying to grow on the inside have not been easy, I know. It is hard to be honest, open, and transparent about the areas where we need to grow. Most people do not even try.
Pastor Mark Blair
BICF ZGC JTC
January 2019
What is the Bible?
Who is God?
Who is Jesus?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Ask many Christian singles in Beijing today to describe how they feel about being single, and the responses you hear may surprise you. Many feel frustrated, confused, or even hopeless. They want to find a good Christian spouse, keep themselves pure, and honor God in the pursuit of marriage, yet things don't seem to be moving that direction, and it doesn't seem like it will change anytime soon. In short, they are suffering for Christ. That's not to say that they are being persecuted by the authorities, or afflicted with a disease (though it may seem like it to some), yet in choosing to pursue Biblical marriage, they are left with fewer choices of potential spouses, delaying sex (hopefully), and starting families much later.
How do I find the will of God?
Or
How do I make good decisions?
Mark Blair - BICF ZGC JTC - July 2019
Dear Partners in the Gospel,
On behalf of the Elders I want to thank you for your help in our Membership process during both English morning services on the next 2 Sundays, November 27 and December 4. Indeed we are first and foremost partners in the Gospel. By His great mercy our Lord Jesus has given us life and salvation! And this is the fundamental point I urge you to focus on as you help us grow His body at ZGC. At the end of each of the four meetings we will break into small groups. The number of groups will be determined by how many of us are available. And, the depth of knowing the people will be greater the more groups we have! So please try to come.