From the Pastors
Dan Beasy
Ellie and I have just returned from Europe where we saw many beautiful sights,
museums, monuments and cathedrals. Three places in particular stood out to me –
Westminster Abbey, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica. It was incredible to think that
over hundreds of years thousands of people have had the opportunity to worship God in
the walls of these astonishingly beautiful and majestic venues.
Yet at the same time I couldn't help but think of the many thousands around the globe
who worship God in buildings that aren’t as majestic or grand.
Many in China worship God secretly underground. Paul and Silas worshipped in a
prison cell.
Did Paul & Silas miss out? Are those in China missing out? Are we here at RBC missing
out because we don't regularly worship in such majestic places? The answer is no.
When Jesus died and the veil to the temple was torn it was not only a picture that man
can now approach God, it was also a picture that God moved out of that place and
doesn’t live in custom-made shrines (MSG Acts 17:24).
This is good news because worship is no longer confined to a specific place. Followers of
Jesus enjoy being able to worship God in the car, on the couch, at the beach or walking
through the bush. This is because worship is more about the 'attitude of one’s heart'
than the 'appearance of ones house of worship'. Paul reminds us that we are now the
temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19). God dwells in us.
This is a timely reminder as we enter into the final stages of the refurbishment of our
worship space because it could be easy for some of us to think that because things are
all new and shiny ‘worship will be better’. Or alternatively, some may think it was better
before and wish they could go back to ‘the good old days’.