“Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. 15 Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the heir to his throne. I am the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. 18 And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. 20 He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.” Revelation 22:14-21 NLT
Dear Lord and Father,
Nowadays we wash in lots of ways, some still at the river, some in showers with gel, some in baths with soaks and some still even use soap. At the end of the Bible we are reminded of its central message. Salvation. Cleansing of sin. And there is no other way but by the blood of Jesus cleansing our hearts. Yes, some hymns have gone out of favour because the language is less acceptable to today. Hymns like,
There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Immanuel’s veins;
And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains:
Today a new generation may see it as being gory and perhaps it does sound so and perhaps it is more acceptable to sing about salvation through the cross of Jesus. Then invite them then to know Him through His death and resurrection. I understand why people seeking to know Jesus may find it a bit overwhelming even confusing Father, to think about plunging into His blood. We need to find ways to reach new generations. And the box design may differ but the contents remain the same! As the end of the Bible shows, its all about You, Jesus, the bright and morning star, the giver of life, the water of life and the faithful witness. We must not take way from the message but find the best way to plant it in hearts. Help us Lord.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Sunday 4th January 2026
Stuart Townend wrote this song with Keith Getty. He felt that we must understand our faith is not a philosophy, transcendent thoughts about what God might be like, or a collection of fables and allegories. Our faith is rooted in history, in things that actually happened, and is backed up by evidence. We have a true story to tell. It paints the picture of Good Friday when Christ was tried, beaten, nailed to a cross, suffered and died, and rose again and explains the significance of it.
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us,
Took the blame, bore the wrath:
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin;
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Chorus
Now the daylight flees,
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
‘Finished!’ the victory cry.
Chorus
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death,
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
Chorus
Lyrics: Stuart Townend, Keith Getty.