Thinking On the Bike
Today was exceptionally bright and breezy. It was an ideal day to go a cycle run. I started out in the late afternoon thinking I'd go to Blackness, however when I reached Blackness I was tempted to go a bit further, so I took the route 76 which is a cycle route and found myself heading down to Abercorn Church. It was delightful cycle and as I arrived at the church yard you could hear the birds singing. I was reminded of Lewis Irving the minister at Abercorn who left the congregation in 1843 at the time of the Great Disruption and came along the shoreline to Bo'ness and helped start the Free church of Bo'ness and Carriden. This was to be the forerunner of the present St Andrew's congregation before the Union in 1929 when St Andrew's became part of the Church of Scotland. Its quite amazing what goes through your head while cycling.
I've been reading Philippians chapter 2 in preparation for the sermon I will be preaching at St Giles during the Assembly week. Here Paul exhorts the Philippians to stay united. The reason for such unity is because of the love that Christ has for the church. How then can we stay united even when we have differing views? It seems to me that Paul lifts Christ as our example. We stay united when each one seeks self humiliation. Learning to empty ones self of everything, to die to self, to die to our own selfish nature. If he became like a man so we in turn must seek to become godly people. Of all the things that we need to be pursuing in the church surely it is holy lives. Lives set apart to bring glory and honour to Christ. Lives lived in obedience.
I was glad to get back to Bo'ness two hours later still reflecting on the glory that comes through suffering. Its hard work pushing up hill against the wind.
Posted By: Helmut On: 11 May 2012 At: 8:22am
Just had a look at the Cathedral Challenge video. Well pedalled!-
I, too, am enjoying Peter’s preaching. John is allright as well, only I have to concentrate very much on him speaking - long since that I’ve had that tune ring in my ears!