Jonah was called of God to go to the great city of Nineveh to deliver a simple message: Repent or you will die in 40 days! Jonah refused and ran away from God. He hated the people of Nineveh and he didn't want his enemies to repent and be forgiven.
We are reminded of ICF calling - to be a house of blessings to all nations by building strong biblical disciples and reaching out in Christian love and deeds. As a House of Blessings, we are aware that we are also an Oasis that seeks to better the lives of the needy residents in this city. Why? Because we want to heed the call of the Prophet Jeremiah (29:7)
Often, when we read about or hear of a Christian having a "heart-warming" experience, we tend to associate such an experience with a dramatic event, probably at an evangelistic meeting or a special gathering of Christians. It usually features a rousing preacher, a well-practised band, and a gifted song-leader.
Last weekend was a fantastic weekend. At ICF we remembered Christ's sufferings and death on the Cross for us on Good Friday evening and then celebrated Resurrection Sunday with a loud proclamation that we are so loved by our Maker.
Let us be wise enough to heed the warning. There is a real message from the Creator God who loves humankind so much. It is the message of the Cross. That's right. It is about the good news – the special message - of Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
There are some in the Christian circles who no longer believe they need to belong to a local church. Either they are mistaken or they have been hurt by a local church. Similarly just because I had a lousy Physics teacher before does not mean that Physics is not relevant subject in my life.