Where two or Three are Gathered

Jesus is in Relationships For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” 0 Matthew 18:20

Reluctance to be in Relationship Vulnerable Costly (Time, Effort, etc.) Non-Productive Fear of rejection

New Jerusalem “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” Revelation 21:2

Transparent He showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel … clear as crystal. Revelation 21:10-11

Walls of Glass The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. Revelation 21:18

Substance of Glass The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass. Revelation 21:21

Even Rivers are Clear Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God Revelation 22:1

Illuminated from Within The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light Revelation 21:23

What is Glass ? Ancient invention – 3500 B.C. (Mesopotamia)

Sand (Silicates) – 96% of Earth’s Mantle Silica – SiO 2

Colored Glass Impurities color the glass Problem was difficult to resolve

To Make Glass Clear Rather than REMOVE color Add COMPLIMENTARY color

Hardest Glass Made from purest silica – 100% sand

Optical Glass High Heat Long and even Grinding Pure Silica

Largest Book in Bible Psalms (Songs) Collection of Emotional Responses to Life and God