Notes from the Manse
Cornerstone No. 184, page 2
Dear Friends, What have you made of 2017 so far? As part of the Scots Kirk community I hope you share with me the expectation of great things and good opportunities for service ahead of us in this New Year. In the letter to the Philippians, we read of Paul and Timothy’ s thanksgiving and their hopes for all the“ saints”, the Christian believers in Philippi. Their letter is a reflection on Christ’ s humility and our living relationship with Him. Paul encourages the church to continue what God has already begun in us; to look forward, to press onwards, work together and at all times, to
That’ s an old Scottish folk saying which you may have also heard before. Whether the sentiment is true or not it is part of the way many of us were brought up to think about things and accept our lot in life ― even the hardships! It’ s how my Dad expressed himself to me when speaking of his cancer diagnosis. Of course, whilst we give respect to the view, especially if it helps the individual face difficult personal circumstances over which we have little or no control, we know it is not the whole story! When we read the scriptures we also discover and understand that as faithful people of God we are partners with Christ in this world. We are part of His Body and the community of believers, the church. Having faith brings a more engaging less passive perspective on the stuff of life. Again, as Paul writes, then we have work to do and service to give. Sometimes we’ re tempted to see the church as being here to meet our needs. When it doesn’ t do that then we can feel hard done by, a little disgruntled and quite put out! However, a church that suits me is more than likely a church missing its essential purpose and mission. God’ s gift of faith and our place within a fellowship of faith is given with others. The church exists to worship and praise God and to serve the needs of others, particularly, by loving and serving those beyond its walls, those to whom, as we read in our Bibles, Jesus comes alongside, befriending and loving the poor and the broken, the hurting and the lost, and that includes you, me and our neighbour and the stranger next door! Can we turn ourselves inside out and find a deeper purpose in doing so? Are we able to see beyond ourselves and look to serve the needs of others? The Scots