Above Photo: This is the Church of Christ that assembled in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine on March 7, 2021. There were others not assembling because of restrictions. They joined us in worship on their mobile phones.
The Lord’s Day broke dawn with a blinding and brilliant sunshine. The sidewalks are sill covered with ice and snow from Friday-Saturday’s storms. Today was cold (about 32F) and a bitter wind was blowing. But it was a very good day.
There were 16 that braved the cold and treacherous sidewalks to assemble for worship. As usual it was encouraging to see dear ones come together.
I preached on the topic “Why Choose God’s Church—the Church of the New Testament?” There are several who need to hear some basic truths that answer this query in a rational way. Sadly, the cultural diversity of today’s pluralistic society spurns the exclusive behavior that God planned His People to practice. Many thinks that as there are “many churches” there are “many ways to find a church that suits personal tastes.” The common expression “worship at the church of YOUR choice” is pure blasphemy. Those who are sincerely concerned about loyalty to God will “worship at the Church of GOD’S choice”!
I have enough material on this topic that would take an entire quarter’s study to cover it. The Scriptures are very clear on this question. But I had minimum time to cover it in today’s lesson. I focused upon three basic points: Why should one be a member of the New Testament Church? First, because the New Testament Church is a great treasure and valuable jewel that must be seized or lost (Matthew 13:44-46). There are counterfeit gems and treasures that often deceive the buyer and they invest all only to find great sorrow. We must make sure we have the genuine and be willing to sacrificial all in order to seize it. Second, because only the New Testament Church is the “Body” of Christ (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23). If “all churches/religious groups” are acceptable then Christ is aa monster being the singular “Head” with hundreds of bodies. Third, because only the New Testament Church is the “Bride” of Christ (Ephesians 5:23). The Second Coming tells us that Christ is coming ONLY for His “Bride” (which is His Church). See Revelation 19:7. Only those identified as the Church bearing Christ’s Name are a part of His Bride.
Is such a religious group identified in the Bible? Yes, Romans 16:16 is very specific about the name of Christ’s Church. The lesson closed by urging all to apply reasoned logic to the Scriptures. Once one reasons with God’s Truth (Isaiah 1:18) the conclusion is inevitable. One “turns” from the blasphemy and pluralism of Satan’s counsel and accepts God’s exclusive pattern (Acts 11:21; 14:15; 19:26; 26:18, 20).
Hopefully this good news message of God’s inclusion of all who will turn from blasphemous religious practices and beliefs will touch honest and sincere hearts! This message must be spoken, it cannot remain silent.
After the worshipping assembly all remained afterwards for some fellowship.
Tomorrow begins the second week of work in Ivano-Frankivsk. The specific plans are still uncertain but I know we will be busy!
Thank you for your interest, concerns and prayers!
John L. Kachelman, Jr.
(Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine)
Ivano Frankivsk church on March 7, 2021 
Ivan greeting all assembled 
Worship in IVano-Frankivsk on March 7, 2021 
Ruslan passing Communion 
Worship in Ivano-Frankivsk on March 7, 2021 
John Preaching (Tanya interpreting) on March 7, 2021 
Anya Skoleba 
John & Galina 
Inna and Svetaslav. Svet is learning English, Chinese, German, Spanish and French! 
Sonia at Worship 
Valentina and Sveta
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