Born Again (Part 2)

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:1-5).

If we are true Christians, then we must live the born again life.

What is included in the born again life?

1. The born again life includes being born of God.
2. The born again life includes obedience to God.
3. The born again life includes victory over the world.

Announcements for the Week of June 28

Men’s Bible Study (lunch edition) will be this Wednesday at 12 PM. We will meet at Outback Steakhouse in Ratu Plaza. Come for fellowship and Bible Study.

Members and Regular Attendants, please fill out the JIBC data form for the 2009 church directory found on the welcome table in the back. Everyone over sixteen needs to complete a form, even if your spouse or parent has already completed one. We need individual information from members, associate members, and regular attendants. Please give completed forms to Dina.

Food Gathering Next Week for Street Children’s Ministry and the Ministry of our sister Indonesian Language congregation. Please come with non-perishable food items or cash donations.

Jesus Commands Us to Go

Dear friends,

We have an old recording of Keith Green in our house in which he says, “It’s so easy to write a check, it’s so easy. Instead of writing a check this time, how about saying, ‘I’m going?’” Then he goes on and sings one of his best songs, “Jesus Commands Us to Go.”

And the Lord Jesus did say, “Go unto all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). And in another place, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28:19a).

Well, who’s going? Now it may be that you are unable to leave your present occupation and go off somewhere far away. However, it may be that you CAN. And you have been ignoring the call of God in your heart to do such a thing! If that is the case, let me encourage you to go! Others of us will stay and write the checks.

But even if you are a sender, even if your duty is to stay in the place God has assigned to you and support those who leave for the jungles and the coasts, you are still commanded to go! So go home and tell your family about Jesus! Go to lunch and tell others about Jesus! Go to your workplace and tell them! Go to your school and make Him known! How about saying, “I’m going! Today!”

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Born Again (Part 1)

1 John 5:1-5

If we are true Christians, then we must live the born again life.

1. The born again life includes. . . being born again.
2. The born again life includes obeying God.
3. The born again life includes victory over the world.

Announcements for the Week of June 21

Men’s Bible Study (evening edition) will be this Wednesday at 7 PM in the JIBC Office. Come for some good food, fellowship, and Bible Study.

Girl’s Only Bible Study will meet on Thursday, June 25 at Sate Senayan in Kemang at 11:30 am. All youth girls are invited.

Members and Regular Attendants, please fill out the JIBC data form for the 2009 church directory found on the welcome table in the back. Everyone over sixteen needs to complete a form, even if your spouse or parent has already completed one. We need individual information from members, associate members, and regular attendants. Please give completed forms to Dina.
If you are interested in Christian Baptism or becoming a member of JIBC, please use the attached communication form or contact the church
office.

Lord’s Supper Next week, June 28 we will have the Lord’s supper

Baptism There will be a Baptism Service next week at 2:30 PM. Please join us at the Tirtayasa location for this important event. The service is expected to last about 30 minutes.

Home Improvement

Dear friends,

Has Jesus made a difference in your house? Simon and Andrew determined to follow Jesus. This greatly effected their home life. In fact, in their case, the house got trashed.

According to Mark 2, Jesus was teaching at their home before a huge crowd when four men tried to bring a paralyzed friend in for healing. The house was so packed that they could not get in the door. So they climbed up on the roof, ripped it open, and lowered the man right into the house. Now we know the four men were thinking about their friend’s need, and we know some of the people were thinking about Jesus’ teaching. But have you ever wondered what Simon and Andrew were thinking? Maybe something like, “Look at the giant hole in the roof of my house! What a mess!” Imagine having to explain that to your insurance company!

Giving your home (or other things) to Jesus can have serious implications. You might discover that it costs you something. However, the benefits far outweigh the costs. In Simon and Andrew’s case, they had the privilege of seeing the paralyzed man get up and walk right in their living room. Better than that, they heard the words of Jesus and believed when he announced, “Your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5).

Friends, which do you value more: a neat and safe house or changed lives and souls set free from bondage? If you want the latter, then ask Jesus to take your property and use it for His purposes. He will find a way to do it!

Your servant,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John

YFC Street Kids Event, June 17

“All the families of the nations shall worship before you.”

On June 17, Youth For Christ hosted a street kids event at Gelanggang Remaja Belanet Senen. Several hundred kids came to listen to songs, puppet shows and play games that preached the message of the love of Christ for all nations. JIBC Youth Group attended to play with the kids and help distribute lunches.

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