"Seen from the air, the construction resembles a cross on the ground," as stated during the dedication ceremony of the Binjiang Church in Jingjiang City, Jiangsu Province.
On May 20, the Binjiang Church held the dedication ceremony, marking the end of a significant journey from 2013 to 2018. The church is notable for its Gothic architectural style, featuring a red brick exterior adorned with elegant stone trimmings.
During the thanksgiving service, Rev. He Jiemiao, president of Jiangsu Provincial Christian Council, delivered a sermon titled "In the Beginning." Drawing from Genesis 1:1-3, Pastor He explored the profound meaning of "in the beginning" through six dimensions.
Pastor He first systematically interpreted the three stages of the creation of the universe in verses 1-3 and then focused on the six meanings of "in the beginning."
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." In the original Hebrew, it reads, "God created in the beginning," highlighting God's supreme role as the Creator. Furthermore, Pastor He noted that "in the beginning" underscores the priority of creation. Referencing the metaphor of a "top scorer in the college entrance examination," He illustrated the supreme and noble status of the heavens and the earth. God's creation reflects perfect order, as all things exist within His divine plan.
Pastor He emphasized that among all of God's creation, the most precious gift to humanity is being made in His image and receiving the breath of life. "God's love never changes. He loved us in the past, loves us now, and will continue to love us," he affirmed.
Drawing on the Jewish tradition of offering the first fruits, he noted that "the first fruits are the most beautiful offerings." He encouraged the congregation to willingly dedicate themselves as the first fruits that God cherishes, assuring them double blessings. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the most perfect first fruit. Pastor He declared, "Today we gather to worship because of our faith in Jesus. He sacrificed His life and shed His blood for us, bearing our sins and becoming the first fruit offered to God. Let this remind us to hold onto the love we had at the beginning."
After the dedication service, the congregation watched a video documenting the church's eight-year construction journey, framed by prayer and hope for the future.
In the afternoon celebration, the Jingjiang United Choir uplifted the gathering with songs of praise, while the Jiangyin Chengbei Church presented the musical "Ruth."
The day also marked the official opening of the Jingjiang Christian Sinicization Exhibition Hall.
Originally published by the Gospel Times
- Edited by Poppy Chan and Karen Luo, translated by CJ Wang
