Looking for the Bride

Just as we are used to reading Luke-Acts as one two-volume work, Peter Leithart (Revelation, International Theological Commentary, T & T Clark, 2018, vol. 1, p22), suggests that we should read John-Revelation in the same way.

John's gospel begins with Jesus the bridegroom (3:29) at a wedding but he's not the one getting married in chapter 2. The woman at the well in chapter 4 seems like she should be the bride, but they don't get married. Maybe Mary Magdalene, the woman who meets one like the gardener after the resurrection, seems like a candidate, but Jesus can't stay. It is only at the end of Revelation that the bride is actually ready.

Revelation 21vv9-10, 22-22:5 - a handout

Indulging once again my passion for over complicated handouts, here's a draft for Sunday:

 An Extraordinary Angelic-guided Tour

Of the Blessings of God’s Coming Kingdom:

Six Things I Did Not See – And Two Great Things Not to Miss!

Revelation 21:9-10, 22-:22:5 (page 1249)

v9: The church, the bride of Christ (contrast chapter 17)

v10: The New Jerusalem – the mountain of Daniel 2 and Isaiah 2

“coming down out of heaven from God” (v10) – opposite of Babel

(1) A BETTER NEW TEMPLE CITY (21vv10-27)

The city a cube / pyramid (v16) like The Holy of Holies / a holy mountain

(a) no temple because… (v22) – John 1:14; 2:19-21

(b) no need for sun or moon because… (v23) – John 8:12

(c) no need to shut the gates because no night (v25)

(d) nothing impure, nor shameful nor deceitful but… (v27)

(2) A BETTER NEW EDEN CITY (22vv1-5)

River of the water of life (22v1) – John 4:10-13; 7:37-39

Tree of life (22v2f)

(e) no curse (22v3) – Genesis 3:14-19; Galatians 3:13

With God and the Lamb! (22vv3-5) – Exodus 28:36-38

(f) no end (22v5)

Have you booked? (22vv11, 14, 17) Will you invite others?

Psalm 23 - a handout

PSALM 23 (page 555)

Where do you place your confidence?

Who or what do you depend on / follow?

TRUST THE GOD WHO PROVIDES & PROTECTS

(1) The LORD is my good shepherd who takes care of his sheep even when they walk through the darkest valleys (vv1-4)

I shall lack nothing I really need (v1)

“I shall not fear” (v4)

“You are with me… and comfort me” (v4)

(2) The LORD is my generous host who shares his plenty with his people in the presence of their enemies (vv5-6)

You welcome and honour me and lavish me with abundant blessings (v5)

“I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for length of days” (v6)

Psalm 23

God-willing I am going to preach on Psalm 23 on Sunday.

We are planning to sing Henry Baker's, The King of Love My Shepherd Is.

And Stuart Townend's version of the psalm.

The 1650 Scottish Psalter version we know, of course.

Michael Wilcock's commentary also mentions a version by George Herbert, The God of Love My Shepherd Is.

And Joseph Addison's, The Lord My Pasture Shall Prepare.

Acts 9:1-22 - A handout

If you are coming to Bodle Street or Warbleton churches on Sunday, you may wish to look away now. It might go something like this:

A case of mistaken identity

and a dramatic transformation

The Conversion and Call of Saul of Tarsus

Acts 9:1-22 (p1102)

(1) Meet Saul the Persecutor! (7:58; 8:1-3; 9:1-2)

(2) Saul meets Jesus the Risen Lord! (vv3-6)

A case of mistaken identity!

Jesus identifies with his people: to persecute them is to persecute him (vv4-6)

Lord (vv5, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17)

“Jesus is the Son of God” (v20)

“Jesus is the Christ” (v22)

Jesus is powerful and in control (e.g. vv11-12)

Jesus has mercy on his enemies

Saul is transformed from persecutor to preacher (vv20-22)

… and from persecutor to persecuted (v16, v23)

Jesus uses even very unlikely people to join his mission

Have you met Jesus as your Risen Lord in the Scriptures?

Have you understood that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ?

His power and control? His mercy?

Might Jesus change and use you, and other unlikely people, in his mission?

Are you willing to speak and suffer for him?