We see in Simon's carrying the cross a picture of the work of the Church throughout all generations; she is the cross-bearer after Jesus. Mark then, Christian, Jesus does not suffer so as to exclude your suffering. He bears a cross, not that you may escape it, but that you may endure it. Christ exempts you from sin, but not from sorrow. Remember that, and expect to suffer.
But let us comfort ourselves with this thought, that in our case, as in Simon's, it is not our cross, but Christ's cross which we carry. When you are molested for your piety; when your religion brings the trial of cruel mockings upon you, then remember it is not your cross, it is Christ's cross; and how delightful is it to carry the cross of our Lord Jesus!
You carry the cross after Him. You have blessed company; your path is marked with the footprints of your Lord. The mark of His blood-red shoulder is upon that heavy burden. 'Tis His cross, and He goes before you as a shepherd goes before his sheep. Take up your cross daily, and follow Him.
Do not forget, also, that you bear this cross in partnership. It is the opinion of some that Simon only carried one end of the cross, and not the whole of it. That is very possible; Christ may have carried the heavier part, against the transverse beam, and Simon may have borne the lighter end. Certainly it is so with you; you do but carry the light end of the cross, Christ bore the heavier end.
And remember, though Simon had to bear the cross for a very little while, it gave him lasting honour. Even so the cross we carry is only for a little while at most, and then we shall receive the crown, the glory. Surely we should love the cross, and, instead of shrinking from it, count it very dear, when it works out for us "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory."
Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church
Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind
(Rev Fred Buick (far right of photo) at installation in 2014) By Philip Gardiner On Lord’s Day 28th March our dear brother Rev. Fred Buick went to be with Christ. Fred was the first minister of our congregation. Fred originated from North Antrim in Northern Ireland and was converted by […]
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Burial Service Service of Thanksgiving Tributes It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and brother in Christ, Dr. Alan Cairns. As many of you know, Dr. Cairns was admitted to hospital on Thursday 15th October and diagnosed with pneumonia. He was later tested […]
Continue ReadingDear Brothers and Sisters,It is with heaviness of heart that I inform you of the passing of the late Agnes Keys (after a short illness) at her home, on Sunday evening, the 7th of June. As a church, we want to express our deepest sympathy to the whole of her […]
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As a church family we are truly shocked and deeply saddened upon hearing the news of the death of the Rev. Wesley Graham. While his passing is sad and painful for his family, we rejoice that although he may be absent from the body, he is now in the presence […]
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Carryduff Free Presbyterian Church
Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind
