InTouch - October 2022

Dear Friends,

The death of the late Queen has brought a great deal of sadness for all of us. After a reign of 70 years, it is right that there is honour and respect given to her. She was faithful to the vows she made, when she said at the age of 21, “I declare before you now, that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service.” In a day and age where vows are often broken, she fulfilled that vow to the end of her life.

There are those who differ on her Christian faith, some argue that she gave Royal assent to many ungodly laws and was the Supreme governor of the Church of England, during the time of moral and doctrinal compromise. We could argue that this was a position where it was impossible for her to refuse. Others will point out her unwavering commitment and her many references to her personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Her Christmas messages always referred to that, especially in 2011 when she said, “God sent into the world, a unique person, neither a philosopher nor general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.”

Certainly, her passing has made us all aware, that death is a respecter of no one, and everyone will eventually pass away whether Kings or Queens, or poor men. This is a prompt for us as Christians, to remind others that there is judgement to come and a Judge to face, and that there is a Heaven and a Hell. Although we cannot see beyond the veil, we can prepare for it now.

Secondly, this is a time to pray “for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2. 2-4)

In this time of great change, may we continue to make Paul’s prayer, our prayer.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor