IREC Berlin
Live Peaceably with All
Sunday, Jun 28, 3:00 PM
Kaiser-Friedrich-Gedächtniskirche
Händelallee 20, 10557 Berlin
In a world often marked by conflict, division, and hostility, God's Word calls His people to a different way of life. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers not to repay evil for evil, but to pursue what is honorable, to seek peace with others, and to overcome evil with good. Such a calling is only possible through the transforming grace of Jesus Christ, who has reconciled us to God and calls us to be peacemakers in the world.
Through Scripture, prayer, congregational singing, and the preaching of God's Word, we will reflect on what it means to live faithfully as followers of Christ amidst the challenges and relationships of daily life.
We warmly invite you to join us as we worship together accompanied by wonderful and peaceful hymns.
Program
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
We begin by remembering God's steadfast love and faithfulness through the hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness. As we gather before Him, we are reminded that His mercies are new every morning and that His faithfulness is the foundation of our hope and peace.
Written in 1923 by American hymn writer Thomas O. Chisholm and composed by William M. Runyan, this beloved hymn was inspired by Lamentations 3:22-23. Chisholm reflected on God's faithfulness throughout a life marked not by dramatic events, but by the daily evidence of God's constant care and provision.
Blest Be The Tie That Binds
Through Blest Be the Tie That Binds, we celebrate the unity that believers share in Christ. God calls His church to love one another, bear one another's burdens, and pursue peace within the body of Christ.
The text was written in 1782 by the English Baptist minister John Fawcett. When Fawcett was preparing to leave his congregation for a larger church in London, the deep affection between pastor and congregation led him to remain. The hymn reflects the precious bond of Christian fellowship that transcends personal interests and worldly distinctions.
It Is Well With My Soul
The beloved hymn It Is Well with My Soul points us to the peace that is found not in circumstances, but in the saving work of Christ. Even amid trials and uncertainties, believers can rest in God's sovereign care.
Few hymns have a more moving story. The text was written by Horatio G. Spafford after the tragic loss of his four daughters in a shipwreck in 1873. As Spafford crossed the Atlantic near the location where the tragedy occurred, he penned words of remarkable faith and trust, declaring that through Christ, “it is well with my soul.” The hymn's tune was composed by Philip P. Bliss. His testimony reminds us that Christian peace is not the absence of suffering, but confidence in God's sovereign grace.
Gut, dass wir einander haben
Following the sermon, the children of our congregation will present Gut, dass wir einander haben (“How Good That We Have One Another”). This joyful song reminds us of God's gift of Christian fellowship and the blessing of walking together in faith, encouraging us to live in peace and unity with one another.
Written by German Christian songwriter Manfred Siebald in the 1970s, the song has become one of the most beloved Christian songs in German-speaking churches. Its simple yet profound message celebrates gratitude for friendship, community, and God's sustaining presence among His people.
Make Me A Blessing
As we respond to God's grace, Make Me a Blessing reminds us of our calling to serve others with love, kindness, and generosity. Having received God's mercy, we are sent into the world to become instruments of His blessing and peace.
The hymn text was written by Ira B. Wilson in the early twentieth century and set to music by George S. Schuler. Inspired by God's promise to Abraham that he would be blessed in order to be a blessing to others, the hymn calls Christians to share Christ's love through both word and deed.
All People That On Earth Do Dwell (Doxology)
Our service concludes with Ralph Vaughan Williams' grand arrangement of All People That on Earth Do Dwell, a timeless hymn of praise based on Psalm 100. Joining voices with Christians across centuries and continents, we lift our hearts and give all glory back to the Triune God God who alone brings true peace, reconciliation, and salvation.
Sermon
Rev. Prof. Billy Kristanto, Dr. phil., Dr. theol.
Music ministry
Conductor Rev. Prof. Billy Kristanto, Dr. phil., Dr. theol.
IREC Berlin Choir
IREC Berlin Ensemble
IREC Berlin Sunday School
Direction to venue
Kaiser-Friedrich-Gedächtniskirche
Händelallee 20, 10557 Berlin (Visit GoogleMaps)
Important to know
- Please come before the service begins
- Dress appropriately
- Silence your phone before the service
- Remain seated and avoid walking around during the service
- Eating and drinking are not permitted inside the venue
- Room for babies and young children is provided