Pastor Mark Blair - BICF ZGC English
That might not be the most comfortable, or politically-correct, question you will hear while living under the burden of this Corona virus. But it might be one you need to consider. If not for your own soul, perhaps for the dear ones in the room next door, down the hall, and all across the great nation.
BAPTISM
A Statement from the Elders of BICF ZGC
An International Church Perspective
March 2012
Uniqueness of an International Church
An international church is different from the situation in our home countries. In our home countries, individuals may join together with others who share similar viewpoints on most matters of faith and practice. In an international church, we function as a community for all genuine Christians to gather for worship, fellowship, teaching, service and ministry, to grow in our knowledge of and likeness to Christ, and to go out to serve. We focus on the most essential issues of faith and practice, allowing latitude in less essential areas. We need a vigorous faith, adopting rigorous standards of study and interpretation, and yet allowing flexible practice in non-essential matters.
Pastor Mark Blair - BICF ZGC - April 2018
Call to Ministry is linked first of all, and most importantly, to our call to Christ.
Our "Identity" is as Son/Daughter before Servant, Philippians 3.8
Our walk with Him should be strong, apart from our "job" or "ministry"
Call to ministry is linked with the call to salvation, all believers are gifted to serve.
Some believers are equipped with preaching and pastoral gifts and should seriously consider whether they should make church ministry their "career."
Pastor Mark Blair
BICF ZGC JTC
January 2019
Roman Catholic
Sacerdotalism
Sacerdotalism - Roman Catholics believe sacraments have the power to actually convey the blessings they signify. So, the sacrament itself has the power to confer the grace which it signifies. Process is something automatic - 'ex opere operato' - from the very act of participating in the sacrament.
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?