Ayr Bible Convention
The 29th annual Bible convention of Ayr Free Church attracted many people from various denominations and independent churches. It was characterised by incisive preaching, much of it focussing on Christian hope and its practical implications.
Rev. Iver Martin from Stornoway Free Church opened the convention by addressing worship as found in the Book of Revelation. Though worship in that book reflected the perfect worship of those in glory, it did not mean that our imperfect worship on earth was unimportant to God. On the contrary, collective worship should be seen as a great privilege, entering the presence of the living God.
A worshipping church will become a witnessing church, Iver said in his second address. Basing his talk on Revelation 11, he highlighted the difficult conditions under which the church is enabled by God to bear its witness.
On Wednesday evening, Dan Peters, from Newcastle, spoke from Romans 8 of the believer’s future glory, grounded in the determined counsel of God. It had been confirmed by the sacrificial love of God in not sparing his Son, and was assured by the power of God in turning all the attacks of our spiritual enemies to our own good.
Martin Allen from Kilsyth spoke on Thursday of the glory of Christ’s mindset (Philippians 2). He showed that even before he came into the world, the Son of God displayed a preparedness to serve – an attitude that he maintained in the humble circumstances of his earthly life, right up to the utter degradation of the cross. This mindset is a model for us all.
The final address, on Philippians 3, warned us to take a sober view of our own spiritual capacity and attainments. Paul had learned from his encounter on the Damascus Road not only the worthlessness of his religious attainments but also the excellence of knowing Christ.
The convention speakers left their hearers with much to encourage, to ponder and to inspire steadfast partnership in the gospel.
Graham Keith
