Scots International Church Rotterdam

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Scots International Church Rotterdam

We are an English language Protestant Church in the Presbyterian tradition.

Based in the heart of the city, we aim to serve the needs of the people of many nationalities and different denominational backgrounds living in Rotterdam and the surrounding area. The congregation was originally formed in 1643 from the large Scottish community of merchants, seamen and soldiers then living in Rotterdam hence the name. The church has maintained its connection with the Church of Scotland, but the congregation is truly international in its make-up.

08/09/2026

Thought for the day
Tuesday 8 September
Acts 4:32 (again)
‘All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.’

Is it possible that we can see in operation here the two greatest commandments? The first commandment is to love God. This gathering together is the act of believers, those who love God with all that they are, ‘heart and mind.’ The second greatest command is to love the neighbour: they shared everything they had.’

Reflection
‘All things come from you, and of your own do we give you.’ 1 Chronicles 29:14

Graham Austin

07/09/2026

Thought for the day
Monday 7 September
Acts 4:32
‘All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.’

Following the preaching of Peter at Pentecost, a Christian fellowship has been formed. Here we find a brief description of unity and community. There was an internal unity of heart and mind and an external community of sharing possessions. Stan Mast points out that this diverse church from all over the world would not have agreed on everything but ‘they were one in heart and soul, in their inner beings, at the heart and soul of their lives.’

Reflection
How can we find unity in the church that transcends (but does not ignore) our differences?

Graham Austin

06/09/2026

Thought for the day
Sunday 6 September
Matthew 18:15-20 (abridged)
‘If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over … For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’

This has been a difficult passage to work through this week. It speaks honestly about sin, conflict, accountability and even exclusion. Yet running through it is a desire for restoration: restoration of the person who has gone astray and restoration of the community affected by what has happened. Jesus reminds us that we do not face these difficult things alone. He is present among his people.

Reflection
What would we do if we remembered that Jesus is with us?

Graham Austin

05/09/2026

Thought for the day
Saturday 5 September
Matthew 18:20
‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’

Here is the comfort and challenge of our gatherings and decision-making. Jesus is in the room, even at the small gatherings. That places our guidance, support and love for one another on a deeper level.

Reflection
What would we do if we remembered that Jesus is with us?

Graham Austin

04/09/2026

Thought for the day
Friday 4 September
Matthew 18:19
‘Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.’

We often read this as a blanket promise for corporate prayer. But in context, Jesus speaks these words right after dealing with church conflict and accountability. This “agreement” isn't about getting whatever we want; it's the hard, shared work of seeking God's mind when relationships are broken and restoration feels impossible.

Reflection
When we pray with others in times of conflict, are we asking God to take our side, or are we truly seeking his will together?

Graham Austin

03/09/2026

Thought for the day
Thursday 3 September
Matthew 18:18
‘Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.’

We encountered these words before in Matthew 16:19 when they were addressed to Peter. Here they are spoken to the church, and the emphasis is the same: they are given authority to act in accordance with heaven’s will, not to dictate it. In binding and loosing, the church is called to follow Jesus faithfully, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Reflection
What does it mean for us to follow Jesus faithfully?

Graham Austin

02/09/2026

Thought for the day
Wednesday 2 September
Matthew 18:17
If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.’

This is not an easy verse, and I nervously offer this. The truth is we want to try to soften its serious undertones. But look what has been done so far: a private conversation, others brought alongside and finally the congregation, all hoping to bring someone back into a right relationship with God and the community.

Reflection
Love does not mean enabling persistent harm.

Graham Austin

01/09/2026

Thought for the day
Tuesday 1 September
Matthew 18:16
‘But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that “every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”’

Sometimes a one-to-one does not work. But the goal, the desire, is still reconciliation. The two or three are not on a witch hunt, but are there to support the process of bringing someone back into fellowship.

Reflection
How can we help restore relationships when we cannot do so alone?

Graham Austin

31/08/2026

Thought for the day
Monday 31 August
Matthew 18:15
‘If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.’

In this difficult passage, we are asked to consider how the fellowship of believers should deal with conflict and hurt. Jesus assumes that sometimes there is a wrong that needs to be named. But look where the path of healing begins. Quietly, between two people. No public accusations, no song and dance.
Just the goal of reconciliation.

Reflection
How can we quietly find a moment to speak peace?

Graham Austin

30/08/2026

Thought for the day
Sunday 30 August
Matthew 16:27
‘For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.’

On the day of Christ’s return, his glory will shine a light on all our lives. What will it reveal? A heart transformed by grace, marked by love, service, and sacrifice? Or a life narrowed by self-preservation?

Reflection
Where is God calling you to choose love and service over self-preservation today?

Graham Austin

Adres

Schiedamsevest 121
Rotterdam
3012BH

Website

http://www.scotsintchurch.com/

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