1. Why do Church?
...because Romance

2. Why do Church? ...because Romance History is...
cyclical – Buddhism, Hinduism, Aztecs
evolving – the fittest survive; communism
deterministic – either God or fate; but not us. Einstein
a love story – Christianity

3. Why do Church? ...because Romance At the end of history there’s...
no end because time is cyclical – Hinduism, Buddhism, Aztecs, Mayans
the Big Crunch or the Big Freeze or the Big Rip – scientism
a conclusion and a new beginning - Christianity

4. Why do Church? ...because Romance At the end of history there’s...
a marriage!!!
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 19.7
All of history is a love story, a romance between God and people. God the Father has determined to provide an eternal companion for his Son.

5. Why do Church? ...because Romance At the end of history there’s...
a marriage!!!
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 19.7
It’s gone dreadfully wrong. Jesus will make it right.
...the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2.20)

6. Why do Church? ...because Romance
A whole book in the Bible devoted to romance: the Song of Songs/Solomon
It’s erotic and sensual and blessed by God.
Oh, lover and beloved, eat and drink!
Yes, drink deeply of your love!
Song of Solomon 5.1b
It anticipates the ecstasy of our eternal relationship with Christ.
...lost in wonder, love and praise (fr. a hymn)

7. Why do Church? ...because Romance The Bride of Christ is the church.
...His bride has made herself ready.” Revelation 19.7
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her... (Eph. 5.25)
It’s made up of all God’s people through all the generations. You’re part of it!
I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. Revelation 7.9

8. Why do Church? ...because Romance You’re invited, what will you do?
Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” Revelation 19.9
This is the most privileged invitation you’ll ever get. Don’t ignore it; don’t treat it with contempt.
When the [wedding] banquet was ready, [the king] sent his servants to notify those who were invited. But they all refused to come! (Matt 22.3)

9. Why do Church? ...because Romance What to do? Remain faithful and pure
I betrothed [engaged] you to one husband, so that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin. 2 Cor. 11.2b
A Christian, like a bride-to-be, determines to wait and watch and be loyal to Jesus.
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts (2 Timothy 2.22)
We must help each other stay committed.

10. Why do Church? ...because Romance What to do? be the best man
[John the Baptist] It’s the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I’m filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. (John )
It’s all about Jesus, not me. I celebrate my friend’s success. I’m determined to see this marriage come off. This is what motivates pastors and missionaries.

11. Why do Church? ...because Romance What to do? Get ready.
...his bride has prepared herself. She’s been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people (Revelation )
A bride-to-be has a trousseau, a hope chest of possessions she gathers for the marriage. Our trousseau is the good works of investing in others, loving and serving and sacrificing.

12. Why do Church? ...because Romance What to do? Be a community of love
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. ...Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. (Romans )
ROOTS ought to be a trailer for heaven, where people are loved and wanted and valued and enjoyed. We want to be “a slice of heaven”.

13. Why do Church?
...because Romance
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