When it comes to accommodation, I once attended a conference at the Stamford Grand, North Ryde, in Sydney. It was the most impressive place I’d ever slept in – but still I wouldn’t like to live there on my own!
What’s the most extravagant room, building, or dwelling you’ve ever been in? Maybe it was a night or two in in a luxury hotel on your honeymoon? Or perhaps on a cruise ship where everything was provided in lavish proportions? Maybe while inspecting properties, you came across your “dream home”– yet walked away knowing it was way beyond reach?
These pale into insignificance when we read of the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, in Revelation 21. As we saw last week, the new thing always replaces the old.
From the days of King David, the old city of Jerusalem was the focal point for the people of Israel. It’s where the temple was, the dwelling place of God in the midst of his people. It was the city from which God declared his plans and purposes for his people.
A classic example is this vision of Isaiah, a picture of heaven for God’s ancient people:
This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. (Isaiah 2:1-4 NIV)
The New Jerusalem John describes in Revelation 21 echoes this promise. John tells us of the splendour and extravagance of the celestial city. The imagery makes it clear that heaven is the most fantastic place imaginable: gold and jasper as clear as glass…. gates made of single pearls… and foundations decorated with jewels and gems. The place God has prepared for us transcends anything we will ever experience here on earth.
Yet, more importantly God and his people will be together forever! Nothing will ever separate the bride and the Lamb! There will be no more wars or conflict, but perfect peace.
There will no need for a temple, because we will bask in the glory of the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. All who have trusted in God and followed Jesus will be there too! Indeed, all whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be home at last!
Come along on Sunday and get a taste of what God has prepared for those who love him!
Pr Rolly Stahl
Bible Reading: Revelation 21:9-14, 22 – 27
Podcasts of weekly messages are available at www.paravista.org.au
Prayer Request
Prayer requests are not included in the weekly news. If you would like to view the current requests refer to the email that alerted you to this weekly news. If you have a prayer request please email churchenquiries@paravista.org.au with your request.
Support for Family Hub
This Sunday is food collection at both services in support of LCC Family Hub.
The items listed below are required by the Family Hub to support families in need in the local area:
Pasta sauces
Bake beans
Spaghetti
Small tubs spreadable margarine
Cheese – slices, block, grated
SR flour – for cooking class
Tinned vegetables – not corn
Meals in a can
Large tins of tuna
In this cold weather the Family Hub are urgently in need of warm blankets to distribute to families in need. These can be included with the food collection on Sunday.
IN NEED OF WOOL
Do you have some spare wool which you no longer need? The school are looking for bright colourful wool to use for “Wednesday Woolies” activities. If you have some wool which you could spare, please drop it to the church or school office with a note saying “Wednesday Woolies”. Thank you
From the Office
Replacement of Cafe Floor
Due to issues with the cafe flooring, which in future would be expensive for the congregation to rectify, the cafe flooring will be replaced at no cost to the congregation. This will occur between the 3rd and 12th of July. During this time access to the hall and worship centre via the cafe will not be possible. The kitchen can be utilised by access through the hall.
Notice Board
Friends of Lutheran Archives (FoLA) with a difference!
Sunday 26th May, 2.00 pm at Bethlehem House in the city. Please note change of day and time. German cabinetmakers and their Australian heritage . As a keen collector of Barossa and other colonial furniture, Dr Jim Bertouch tells the story of local furniture makers, illustrating the native timbers, style, construction methods and traditional finishes used by German craftsmen to make their work so distinctive. All welcome, gold coin donation, supper.
Lutheran Nurses Association of Australia
All Healthcare workers, members and visitors are invited to attend our meeting on Monday 27th May 2019, with Evie Proeve presenting 'Development Education'. 7.30pm at 137 Archer Street, North Adelaide, at LCA/SA District Office. Entry through rear door with 2 hour CDP evidence provided. Rose Howard,Secretary LNAA Mobile: 0410 463 649
“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour, for everything in heaven and earth is yours."
1 Chronicles 29:11
