There are times when it matters how you got somewhere, more than the fact of getting there. The journey, as much as the destination.
I remember as a young man taking a college module in sea survival skills. There was one particular exercise where we had to scramble to get into a replica ship's life-raft from the water — not an easy task with a fully inflated life jacket restricting your every move! In that case, our instructor told us, it doesn't matter how you get in — just get in!
On the other hand, I think of a friend who has come out of the Mormon LDS 'church' and their stories of coercion, control and mind games — all deployed as tactics to get and keep people into the movement.
When we are dealing with Jesus Christ, His message, His Kingdom, His people — the method really does matter!
And if we look at Jesus, we find something remarkable. He called, and people were compelled. He preached God's word, and they marvelled. He loved, listened, healed, blessed, ate and drank, and people could not stay away.
Dear friends, the method is all there for us to simply follow. We need not re-invent the wheel.
I have been massively encouraged at the start of this year as we welcomed new members to our church family by baptism and profession of faith. I honestly find it hard to comprehend how much life, growth and blessing God has been pleased to send us, and thank Him for the wonderful new souls joining us.
But the gratitude is equally for who we are as a people. I truly believe Erskine Parish Church practices what it preaches. It loves those who come, as Christ did. It's not the whole story, but it is a big part of who we are and what creates a welcoming new church home for so many.
As we continue in this season, considering the words in John 15 which encourage us to handle our growth well — in prayer, love, faith, giving of offerings, love for God and others — I'm excited for what God has for us as a people of faith, growing together over the coming year.
I'll leave you with the words of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813–1843), the great minister and preacher of St Peter's Dundee:
"The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God."
Yours in Christ,
David
The Brig - March 2026 Edition
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