Welcome to the great city of London

Welcome to London! Maybe you are here for the first time to explore all the famous sights and places. The London Eye or Buckingham Palace are very popular but there are so many other things to see. In this bustling capital city you will literally feel the history from your old school books come alive.

Splendid view

Are you looking for a great view of the city? Try out the Parkland walk which leads from Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace. You will definitely remember the breathtaking outlook over the city. Maybe you prefer buying a ticket for “the Shard”, the tallest building in the European Union. The thrill of stepping out on the 360° viewing platform 244 metres above ground level is an experience you shouldn’t miss either. Can you imagine getting bored in London? Samuel Johnson said: “Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” You see, there’s so much to explore in London that you will never get to the end of it.

In search for more

It is true. London with its rich history, amazing architecture and international flair has much to offer. But just scratch the surface and find under all this splendour – as in every other great city on earth - the dirt and noise, the heartbreaking sights and overwhelming problems, which no tourist wants to see, hear or feel.
London is a city of extremes where you will find both wealth and poverty, comedy and tragedy. The hustle and bustle in the busy streets can leave you spellbound but it can also make you homesick. At the end of the day it is good to be back home where you belong.

Belonging

Deep inside we all have this longing for a place to belong to. We need the security of love, the comfort of God’s arms around us, a place to call home for eternity. You might not be interested in God, but he is very much interested in you. His whole heart goes out to every single human being, no matter what nationality. Being separated from the Creator is much worse than having nowhere to go. If we have lost sight of God and don’t accept his Son, Jesus Christ, to save us, then desperation, strife and fear become very much part of our lives. In this state we are at great risk of ending up in a place of darkness, weeping and agony. The good news is that God’s greatest desire is to give us life in fullness, security and hope. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”? For this reason he is preparing an eternal city, which is worthy of his great love for us. The incredible thing is that we are personally invited and, believe me, even expected to be there with him one day.

Home in the heavenly city

The heavenly city is far greater than London - infinitely more interesting, more spectacular and more amazing. It is even more beautiful than the Bible can put into words, decorated with pure love, full of happiness and peace. One day life on earth will be finished for all of us and eternity will begin. The Bible tells us that it will be a day of joy and welcome for those who have become citizens of the heavenly city: “They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”?

Become a citizen of the city

How do we become citizens of the heavenly city and so receive the right to live there forever? The key is Jesus Christ who said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.”? He is the one who died on the cross, the only one who is able to give us the life that overcomes darkness and fear. If we commit our life to Jesus Christ and trust in his saving power then he will take away our burdens and give us peace. The best way to get to know him is to read the Bible and ask him to reveal himself and his plans to us. Whatever happens, life with Jesus Christ will take on new meaning and direction, even when things might not always run as smoothly as we’d like.

Hope to see you

Those who believe in Jesus Christ can be sure that life will go on eternally in the beautiful city of God. I really hope we will see each other there. Meanwhile, enjoy your stay in London!

Jacob Schaerer and team