Just say ‘Yes!’
That was the call with which Bishop Harold ended his Bible Week teaching in Revelation 2 & 3. ‘Yes’ in relation to what God had been saying to each person over the four evenings, but especially in relation to Jesus truly being Lord and Saviour in our lives and in our churches.
He had taught thematically across the 7 letters, exploring what Jesus, Lord of the Church, wants and doesn’t want in his church. On Friday night he spoke of the consequences both good and bad, of the church’s obedience or disobedience to the voice of the Spirit.
The Bishop brought a sober word, underlining that disobedience will lead to places no longer having a Church witness and a painful uprooting where there is false teaching.
However, Bishop Harold pointed out: “In these seven letters, the way forward always begins with one word – ‘repent’.”
As for obedience, the rewards are great, the Bishop said: “The place where the letters end, each one of them, is the place of victory. The goal of our lives, brothers and sisters, is to be victorious in Christ. To remain faithful, to experience spiritually the power of God, to win the prize at the end of the journey.”
This four night journey in Revelation ended with a church full of people making their way to the rough wooden cross at the front and one by one giving their ‘Yes’ to God. What a wonderful way for so many in the diocese to begin the autumn term.
You can listen to the talks by downloading them here.
View some photos here.