Dear Church Family
| Have you been to any weddings this year? In the last book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, the Apostle John sees a vision of the future of the world – and it is filled with the Church, described as a bride, beautifully dressed for her husband on their wedding day: |
| ‘I saw the new Jerusalem coming down from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.’ Revelation 21:2 |
| ‘Wow, isn’t she beautiful,’ everyone remarked! We may not think so now, but then, at Jesus’ return, the Church will be breathtakingly lovely. Even now, at our best, the Church reflects something of the committed, fruitful, caring, joyful love of God. It is special when a man and a woman who love each commit to each other. They make their promises to ‘be there’ for one another for life. This is a love that will radiate out and bring life and good to the world. It’s for all these reasons that God gives marriage between a man and a woman as a gift to mankind; it’s God’s picture of the depth and quality of relationship He will have with His people, the Church. Yes, marriage and Church are imperfect now; sometimes horribly so; but the potential of both to show God’s love remains. Revelation 21 reminds us of this, and bids us look forward to all that lies ahead in eternity for us in God’s Church. Michael Lin preached this sermon (link below) on Revelation 21 for us over the summer. It’s a great introduction to our autumn series: ‘love your Church.’ Your brother in Christ, Ian |