May 2011 Newsletter

Verse of the Month

"Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready."

Revelation 5:20

Focus
 

The Royal Wedding on 29th April was some spectacle.  The second in line to the throne was marrying the woman he loved - to the delight of the majority of the Nation at least. 

One of the most pleasing things about the ceremony was the prominence given to God’s Word.  Marriage was first instituted by God when He made Eve from and for our first father Adam.  Indeed in the New Testament God’s standards for relationships is very clear.

“Marriage is honourable among all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Heb 13:4).

Marriage is obviously the best arrangement for an orderly life and the raising of children; but there is, of course, a much deeper significance in marriage.  In Ephesians 5:22 - 33 Paul outlines the mutual regard husbands and wives should have for each other and the principles which should apply in Christian marriages.  In all this he sets the standard to be aspired to by husbands and wives on the relationship between Christ and the Church.  How He loved the Church and gave Himself for her; how He nourishes and cherishes her, and how in a future Day He “will present her to Himself a glorious Church not having spot or wrinkle.” Just as Eve was “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” so we - His body - the Church “is of His flesh and of His bones”. 

We look forward to that great consummation of the relationship between Christ and the Church “The marriage of the Lamb has come and His wife has made herself ready”  In that day the Bride(all true believers from the Cross to the Rapture) will be “arrayed in white linen” (Rev. 19:8) In Revelation 21:2 John sees the New Jerusalem coming out of Heaven “prepared as a bride adorned for her husband”.
The Bride will indeed be beautiful - gloriously beautiful, more beautiful than any earthly bride.  However there is a remarkable difference in this heavenly wedding.  Most eyes on Friday were on Catherine - her beauty and dress, much less attention on William, Prince though he be.  No matter how beautiful the Bride of Christ will be - the Glory is all His!

The Bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear Bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory,
But on the King of grace.
Not at the crown He giveth,
But on His pierced hand;
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Immanuel’s land!  (A. Cousin)

“Even so come, Lord Jesus!”

For Your Information

SUNDAYS

18.30 - Evening Service
 1st:  J. Armstrong - TCF
 8th:   G. Jannetts - TCF
 15th:  P. Coxall - Aberdeen
           (PRAISE NIGHT - Refreshments afterwards)
 22nd:  T. Grayston - TCF
 29th:  S. Kilpatrick - TCF

 1st: TBA
 8th: Ruth
 22nd: Ruth
 29th: Ruth  

THURSDAYS

19.30 - Prayer +
5th:  Romans ch. 6- J. Armstrong - TCF      
12th: Romans ch. 7 - T.Grayston - TCF
19th: Report on ‘Revival Radio’ - I. Preston - TCF
26th: Romans ch. 8 - J. Locke  - TCF

FRIDAYS 

Anytime 10.30 - 12.00 - Coffee Morning

Special Events This Month

SATURDAY 14th at 11:00 & 12:00
Prayer Meeting (Hall) & Open Air Witness (Saltcoats Town Centre)

Other News This Month

WELCOME BACK
We are pleased to have Ruth safely back on Home ground!  We have enjoyed hearing about her experience in Bolivia.  Please continue to pray for her that she shall have clear guidance from the Lord in her future for Him.  This should be our prayer for all those we know who are seeking employment .

THANKS
We would like to thank everyone who supported us during our Roofdiggers Weekend, in whatever capacity.  

EXAMS
Some of our Young Folk are involved in exams this month.  Please remember to pray for them all at this busy time.

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY
Congratulations, Isabella D., on your 50th birthday, on the 4th.

PRAISE GATHERING
This year the Praise Gathering will be in the Glasgow Concert Hall on 11th June.  A bus will be organised and some tickets have been procured.  If you are interested in going (and supporting some of our talented singers!) please let Jackie L. or Jim A. know.

SILVER CELEBRATION
Congratulations, Jim and Elma, on your 25th Wedding Anniversary on the 28th.  Enjoy your celebration.

SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS
Preparations continue for these. If you are interested in any of these please visit the websites or see Jackie L. or Jim A. for details. Please keep these events in your prayers too.

FUTURE EVENTS FOR YOUR DIARY
Wed. 31st August - Fri. 2nd September:
“Personal Evangelism” with Robert Revie.

Mon. 12th - Fri. 16th September:
Bible Exhibition for Primary Schools with Douglas Young.