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3 Lane 269, Section 3, Roosevelt Rd
Taipei City, 106
Taiwan

02-2362-1395

Grace

Newsletter

Thoughts on faith and life at Friendship Church

Grace

Dennis Brown

Grace! 

This Sunday, we are in 2 Samuel 9--the story of Mephibosheth. It is one of the sweetest stories in the Bible and it drips with grace. It’s the story of how David asks if there is anyone he can show kindness to because of his commitment to Jonathan. It was a commitment made long before. You can read the story how a young, frightened man is summoned into the presence of the king. He likely expects certain death, but instead is showered with amazing grace. 

The Bible is one story and these mini-stories actually point to the mega-story of God’s redemption of rebels like ourselves who deserve the opposite of grace. But grace isn't just for how you become a Christian. It’s for every relationship in life…parenting, marriage, work. Are you a grace-giver? Or do you live by law. I would recommend Paul Zahl’s “Grace in Practice” to see how it can apply everywhere.

If someone asked me why I am a Christian, there are many reasons, but four stand out:

  1. The resurrection of Jesus. It’s just a stubborn, annoying fact and if it happened, you have to deal with it.
  2. The fine tuning of the universe. Read Eric Metaxas book on “Miracles” and you will be stunned at how the entire universe seems to be rigged to support human life
  3. The cross as the only antidote for the addiction I have to myself and my sin.
  4. Grace. C.S. Lewis was once asked if there was one word that described Christianity. He said it was grace. You can’t find that anywhere in the world or in any religion except Jesus and the movement he started 2000 years ago.

Life at Friendship

Dr. Vern and Diane Poythress Summer Ministry. Sometimes, we say that if you are looking for an answer to a difficult question check out the Frame-Poythress website.  Together, Frame & Poythress represent brilliant, Biblically and theologically solid commentary on almost any subject. Dr. Poythress teaches at Westminster Seminary, has degrees in mathematics and theology, has written many books (most of which you can read on the website), and comes to Taiwan every year to teach a couple of classes at Reformed Seminary. His wife, Diane is equally formidable and loves Taiwan. 

  1. Friday, June 17, 8-10 PM. Skeptics Welcome at the Cafe Odeon at #11, Lane 86, Sec 3, Xin Sheng S. Road (just down the street from the church). This is on Friday, June 17 from 8 to 10 PM.
  2. Saturday, 18, 7 PM, God: Creator, Physicist, King. This is an event at the home of Jason and Donna Warren. God is the creator of the universe, but as we discover more about his creation, it raises questions about how we as scientists, engineers and seekers of truth can discern the Biblical origins of the universe. If you would like to attend please e-mail Donna here. RSVP Donna by June 15. Light refreshments will be provided.
  3. Dr. Poythress will be preaching beginning on Sunday, June 19, 26, and July 3 and 10. He will be speaking from the first chapters of Genesis which address the big questions of life: Where did we come from? Who created the world and universe? How does this story fit with modern discoveries of science? Who made marriage and what should it look like? Who made gender and what should it look like?
  4. “Counseling Leah with the Gospel”. This is a lecture led by Diane Poythress on Wednesday, June 15 from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. This will be held in the back elevator room in the church. Tea and refreshments will be provided. Sign up by e-mailing the church or at the Welcome Table on Sunday.

Pastor Vacation Schedule. 

On Monday, June 20, Pastor Dennis and Kay are flying to the US--first to Austin, Texas and then on to Philadelphia, Pa. Dennis will be in the States and return to Taipei on July 26.  During that time, feel free to contact the elders, the deacons or Anna Furness on any question you might have. Here is the preaching schedule for the next couple of months:

  1. Sunday, June 12, Pastor Dennis
  2. Sunday, June 19, Dr. Vern Poythress
  3. Sunday, June 26, Dr. Vern Poythress
  4. Sunday, July 3, Dr. Vern Poythress
  5. Sunday, July 10, Dr. Vern Poythress
  6. Sunday, July 17, Dr. Paul Kong
  7. Sunday, July 24, Jonathan Schumate 
  8. Sunday, July 31, Pastor Dennis