6th Sunday of Easter – Readings and Liturgy
Please join us for worship this Sunday at 10:45am, in-person in the Sanctuary or live, on-line via the Zoom video conferencing app. Just drop us an email at info@fpcnewkirk.org and ask to be added to our Zoom invitation list.
First Reading Acts 16:9-15
Second Reading Revelation 21:9-11, 21-27; 22:1-5
Gospel Reading John 14:23-29
Sermon “Looking Forward, While Living in the Present”
The readings this week includes selections from very near the end of the book of Revelation. In them, John is shown scenes that leave us breathless with wonder and expectation. The glory of the eternal presence of God is described with such vividness that we can almost see it for ourselves. Far beyond the familiar “pearly gates and streets of Gold”, John describes a place and time when the sun and moon are unnecessary – the glory of God illuminates everything. There is no Night, no need for lamps – everything can be clearly seen in the light of God. Likewise, there is no temple. No special place to go and try to get closer to God. God is everywhere, this is God’s home. John writes in Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. This is creation renewed and put right as was God’s original intention. There is no sickness of body or mind there. Sin is no more. There is no curse and separation – only belonging, fellowship and love with each other and our creator. No wonder John closes his record with a prayer for Christ to come soon!
