Clicky

Greyfriars Kirk

Greyfriars Kirk Greyfriars Kirk is a place of worship, a space to celebrate the arts, events, and exhibitions, as wel

Greyfriars Kirk is a place of worship, a place to celebrate the arts, events and exhibitions as being a well-known historical landmark for all ages.

Operating as usual

19/03/2023

Excited to be going to hear the American composer Thomas LaVoy talk about his special composition which the lovely Edinburgh Royal Choral Union commissioned, inspired by Greyfriars years since first opening doors (same day as Mayflower landing). Welcome to Scotland Thomas!! πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 🏴󠁧󠁒󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 πŸ₯³

For those of you joining us online this morning, here is the link to the10:30am service πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/14HF50NgEG0
19/03/2023

For those of you joining us online this morning, here is the link to the10:30am service πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/14HF50NgEG0

TONIGHT FROM 6:15PM πŸ‘‰πŸ½
19/03/2023
Edinburgh Royal Choral Union Concert - Greyfriars Kirk

TONIGHT FROM 6:15PM
πŸ‘‰πŸ½

Join us at 6.15 pm for a pre-concert talk by composer Thomas LaVoy, whose work water psalms ERCU will perform, and ERCU Chorus Director Michael Bawtree and The Very Revd Prof Sir Iain Torrance, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen. Water psalms was a commission for the 400th anniversary of G...

Join us this afternoon at the usual time of 1:10pm for midweek prayers πŸ’œPlease note, that there will be no  concert toda...
16/03/2023

Join us this afternoon at the usual time of 1:10pm for midweek prayers πŸ’œ

Please note, that there will be no concert today, the next one is Thursday 23 March, 12noon.

We have TWO concerts happening at the Kirk this weekend...SAT 18 MAR, 7pm - The University of Edinburgh A Ca****la Conce...
14/03/2023
Edinburgh University A Ca****la Society Concert - Greyfriars Kirk

We have TWO concerts happening at the Kirk this weekend...

SAT 18 MAR, 7pm - The University of Edinburgh A Ca****la Concert
πŸ‘‰πŸ½http://ow.ly/WRPK50NgFHg

SUN 19 MAR, from 6:15pm -Edinburgh Royal Choral Union Concert
πŸ‘‰πŸ½http://ow.ly/J3Un50NgFHj

Non-Competitive National A Ca****la Showcase A fabulous evening of A Ca****la, featuring Scotland’s non comp university groups. Doors open at 6:30pm.

This week, WE'RE OPEN Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 March from 11am - 3pm. Come along and see what you discover! πŸ’œ
13/03/2023

This week, WE'RE OPEN Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 March from 11am - 3pm. Come along and see what you discover! πŸ’œ

Its almost time for Sunday worship...For those joining us online this morning, here is the link πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/KKnR50N9...
12/03/2023

Its almost time for Sunday worship...

For those joining us online this morning, here is the link
πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/KKnR50N9AIg

Please remember that Refugio will take place at 7pm tonight.

Please note that the Kirk is CLOSED today for a wedding reception. See our opening times here πŸ‘‰πŸ½http://ow.ly/Urol50N9BM7
11/03/2023

Please note that the Kirk is CLOSED today for a wedding reception. See our opening times here
πŸ‘‰πŸ½http://ow.ly/Urol50N9BM7

SATURDAY 26 MARCH, 8:30 - 9:30PM Sharing this wonderful initiative by WWF encouraging sustainable living. You can take p...
10/03/2023

SATURDAY 26 MARCH, 8:30 - 9:30PM

Sharing this wonderful initiative by WWF encouraging sustainable living. You can take part by spending the hour in a variety of ways. Find out how, here πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/TEBs50NbPCa

"Together we are part of a global movement for action on the climate & nature emergency"

🌏🌍🌎

Today's  concert will be given by Anoukia Nistor (cello), followed by our usual midweek prayer service 1:10pm - 1:20pm. ...
09/03/2023

Today's concert will be given by Anoukia Nistor (cello), followed by our usual midweek prayer service 1:10pm - 1:20pm. Everyone is welcome to join! πŸ’œ

Have you visited us recently? We'd love to hear from you...Feedback from our visitors is crucial to us providing the bes...
08/03/2023

Have you visited us recently? We'd love to hear from you...

Feedback from our visitors is crucial to us providing the best experience possible. If you have a couple of minutes to spare, please leave us some feedback on our Google Profile πŸ‘‰πŸ½http://ow.ly/IBnA50N9yq3

πŸ‘€β—

This weeks  concert will be given by Anoukia Nistor (cello). Come along and . πŸ“ THU 9 MARCH, 12 noon πŸ‘‰πŸ½ FREE admission
07/03/2023

This weeks concert will be given by Anoukia Nistor (cello). Come along and .
πŸ“ THU 9 MARCH, 12 noon
πŸ‘‰πŸ½ FREE admission

Join us TONIGHT for  at 5pm Charteris Centre.  A gathering with guest speakers, conversation and refreshments to explore...
07/03/2023

Join us TONIGHT for at 5pm Charteris Centre.

A gathering with guest speakers, conversation and refreshments to explore , current issues and the world around us.

We will be joined by Martin Johnsone, At the Edge and Poverty Truth Network, leading in conversation on β€˜Encountering God in the Struggle for Justice’

Open and free to all- more details here! πŸ‘‰πŸ½http://ow.ly/WlE950NaFiR

This week's visitor opening times MON 6, WED 8 & THU 9 MARCH  11am - 3pm. From our kids area to the museum, there is som...
06/03/2023

This week's visitor opening times MON 6, WED 8 & THU 9 MARCH 11am - 3pm. From our kids area to the museum, there is something for everyone to enjoy!

Set up for  concert last Saturday. A great night filled with great music.
06/03/2023

Set up for concert last Saturday. A great night filled with great music.

DON'T MISS the Choirs for Climate Concert TONIGHT! πŸ‘€Event and Ticket info πŸ‘‰πŸ½
05/03/2023
Choirs for Climate Concert - Greyfriars Kirk

DON'T MISS the Choirs for Climate Concert TONIGHT! πŸ‘€
Event and Ticket info πŸ‘‰πŸ½

New music by composers from all around the world, about the most important issue of our time Admission will be free, with a collection afterwards for environmental causes. Please book your free ticket from the booking link below. Music list will be updated as we go along, but to give you a flavour o...

TONIGHTπŸ‘€πŸ‘‡πŸ»
04/03/2023
Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra Concert - Greyfriars Kirk

TONIGHTπŸ‘€πŸ‘‡πŸ»

EDINBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 60th Anniversary Series of Concerts Conductor: Gerard Doherty Leader: Sheena Jardine Euan Fairbairn, ESOteric Concert Fanfare Ravel, Rapsodie Espagnole Saint-SaΓ«ns, Piano Concerto No.2, Soloist: Liana Storey Debussy, PrΓ©lude Γ  l’aprΓ¨s-midi d’un faune Canteloube,...

Join us this afternoon for our midweek prayer service at 1:10pm after our Greyfriars at 12 concert which starts at 12noo...
02/03/2023

Join us this afternoon for our midweek prayer service at 1:10pm after our Greyfriars at 12 concert which starts at 12noon. πŸ’œ

02/03/2023

This Saturday 4 March, get yourselves along to Greyfriars for Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra's concert!

Tickets: Β£14 adults, Β£10 concessions, Β£5 children
Available on the door or from orchestra members.

More infoπŸ‘€ http://ow.ly/Eize50N5Ww9

CHOIRS FOR CLIMATE CONCERTπŸ“ŒSunday 5 March at 7:30pm 🌏 Greyfriars Kirk BOOK your FREE Ticket πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/YYtn50N5WUK
02/03/2023

CHOIRS FOR CLIMATE CONCERT
πŸ“ŒSunday 5 March at 7:30pm
🌏 Greyfriars Kirk

BOOK your FREE Ticket πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/YYtn50N5WUK

Tomorrow's  concert will be given by Students of Saoirse Singing. Find out more about our FREE concert series πŸ‘‰πŸ½
01/03/2023
Greyfriars at 12 - Greyfriars Kirk

Tomorrow's concert will be given by Students of Saoirse Singing. Find out more about our FREE concert series πŸ‘‰πŸ½

Greyfriars at 12 is a weekly Thursday lunchtime concert series in the Kirk sanctuary.

The Kirk is open to visitors today 11am - 3pm. Pop in and say hello! You can see our opening times for the coming months...
01/03/2023

The Kirk is open to visitors today 11am - 3pm. Pop in and say hello!

You can see our opening times for the coming months here πŸ‘‰πŸ½http://ow.ly/qPUJ50N4Oty

This Morning's service is a joint one, with our Ecumenical Partners, St Columba's by the Castle and Augustine United Chu...
26/02/2023

This Morning's service is a joint one, with our Ecumenical Partners, St Columba's by the Castle and Augustine United Church and will begin slightly earlier than our services usually do, at 10am πŸ’œ

Please note that they livestream their services slightly differently - they use Zoom!

Here is the link to the service taking place and St Columba's By the Castle: http://ow.ly/H0UL50MIPso

If you can't view the livestream, you can catch up on their page, where it will be posted afterwards πŸ‘‰πŸ½ St Columba's by the Castle

Please join us at 12 noon today for a  concert given by Ciaran Walker (organ).
23/02/2023

Please join us at 12 noon today for a concert given by Ciaran Walker (organ).

Join us online for this morning's service. Just click the link πŸ‘‡πŸ»http://ow.ly/Uo6l50MIQ8n❗ Please note that next week's ...
19/02/2023
Sunday Service - 19 February 2023

Join us online for this morning's service. Just click the link πŸ‘‡πŸ»http://ow.ly/Uo6l50MIQ8n

❗ Please note that next week's service will be slightly different. As part of our ecumenical partnership with St Columba's by the Castle and Augustine United Church, we will have a joint service held at St Columba's By The Castle. This service will take place at the slightly earlier time of 10AM, so remember to set those alarms!

A Zoom livestreaming link will be made available for those joining us online.

Please support the work of Greyfriars Kirk by making a donation. Give by visiting: http://bit.ly/greyfriarsdonateThe headings refer to Greyfriars Outreach, b...

18/02/2023

Join us tomorrow at 7pm tomorrow for Refugio! Everyone is welcome and we look forward to welcoming familiar and, hopefully, some new faces πŸ’œ

Join us today and every Thursday from 1:10 - 1:30pm for our intimate, yet informal, midweek prayer service πŸ‘€πŸ™ŒπŸ»http://ow....
16/02/2023

Join us today and every Thursday from 1:10 - 1:30pm for our intimate, yet informal, midweek prayer service πŸ‘€πŸ™ŒπŸ»http://ow.ly/7HZr50MQPo2

πŸ“’ A message from Richard Frazer, Chair and Founder of the Grassmarket Community Project.In March, we will be saying fare...
15/02/2023

πŸ“’ A message from Richard Frazer, Chair and Founder of the Grassmarket Community Project.

In March, we will be saying farewell to Jonny Kinross, our inspirational and much respected leader of the GCP for the last 8 years.

During his time as our CEO, Jonny has overseen significant growth and development of our work amongst some of Edinburgh’s most vulnerable people. The range of support, training and mentoring activities we offer has increased, our social enterprises have flourished and look set to bounce back strongly after the impact of the Pandemic.

Jonny has brought many of his own interests, passions and strengths to the GCP. His energy and commitment to the flourishing and wellbeing of our members has been inspirational. We have seen that in all his work and especially on many of the residential experiences we have undertaken together.

His undoubted commitment to walking alongside those on the edge was affirmed when, in 2018, he was awarded an honorary degree from Edinburgh University. The GCP has received numerous awards during the last 8 years and our positive reputation has grown under Jonny’s leadership. We thank Jonny, we will miss him and we wish him well in the next stage of his professional journey πŸ’›

πŸ“ŒWe will be beginning the process of recruiting Jonny’s successor very shortly, and look forward eagerly to the writing of a new chapter in the unfolding story of the GCP

In the meantime, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Calum Murray as Interim CEO, who will support our wonderful team until we make a permanent appointment. Calum was until recently head of adult services for Crossreach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland.

See our farewell to Jonny for more πŸ‘‰πŸ½ http://ow.ly/ZjIL50MT2B3

WE'RE OPEN TO VISITORS:πŸ“ŒWEDNESDAY 15th & THURSDAY 16th FEB 11am - 3pm. It's midterm school holidays, so why not make a d...
14/02/2023

WE'RE OPEN TO VISITORS:
πŸ“ŒWEDNESDAY 15th & THURSDAY 16th FEB 11am - 3pm.

It's midterm school holidays, so why not make a day of it!

With a kids sections, maps, a musuem and giftshop, there's something for everyone in the family to enjoy at Greyfriars Kirk. Take a wee wander down the hill to the Grassmarket and head to Coffee Saints for all your refreshment needs ... Just look out for the big, bright wings!

We look forward to welcoming you all.

14/02/2023

Will you be joining us? πŸ‘€

14/02/2023
WE'RE OPEN TO VISITORS Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 from 11am - 3pm! Pop in and see us and you'll be sure to learn somet...
13/02/2023

WE'RE OPEN TO VISITORS Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 from 11am - 3pm! Pop in and see us and you'll be sure to learn something new! πŸ‘€ http://ow.ly/eTLc50MQGsx

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream. (Amos, 5:24) Today's service joined in ...
12/02/2023
Racial Justice Sunday 2023 – Stephen Lawrence

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream. (Amos, 5:24) Today's service joined in with churches across Britain and Ireland, for Racial Justice Sunday.

Racial Justice Sunday 2023 – Stephen Lawrence January 30, 2023 By Web Editor Sunday 12 February 2023 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! (Amos 5:24) 22 April 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the racist killing of Black teenager, Stephen Lawrence, in E...

Join us next Sunday at 7pm for our February Refugio service. Wnat to learn more about Refugio? Visit our websiteπŸ‘‰πŸ½
12/02/2023
Refugio - Greyfriars Kirk

Join us next Sunday at 7pm for our February Refugio service. Wnat to learn more about Refugio? Visit our websiteπŸ‘‰πŸ½

Refugio is a monthly evening contemplative service set in the context of silence, symbol and reflective prayer each third Sunday at 7pm.

Our Partners 🌏 Our other partner organisation is Greyfriars Charteris Centre – a place for community, connection and wel...
10/02/2023

Our Partners 🌏

Our other partner organisation is Greyfriars Charteris Centre – a place for community, connection and wellbeing.

Acting as a base and support for social enterprises, charities, local groups and activities, they aim to provide a warm welcome and serve people of all cultures, faiths and self-expression; supporting initiatives promoting the care and wellbeing of individuals, communities and environment.

Social enterprise helps to sustain the Centre, create communal opportunities, support those looking for work and the various services set up to support the wellbeing of our community and environment.

The pillars underpinning their work…
πŸ“ Community and wellbeing
πŸ“ Working with others
πŸ“ Social enterprise

Find out more about GCC, their spaces, events and activities visit their websiteπŸ‘‰πŸ½https://grassmarket.org/

OUR PARTNERS 🌏  Greyfriars Kirk works in close partnership with Grassmarket Community Project – a safe space, providing ...
10/02/2023

OUR PARTNERS 🌏

Greyfriars Kirk works in close partnership with Grassmarket Community Project – a safe space, providing sanctuary and support to people dealing with multiple complex issues like homelessness, health problems, learning difficulties, poverty, substance misuse, abuse and more.

Through social enterprise, mentoring, education and support, GCP creates opportunities for those furthest from mainstream education and employment opportunities. They give individuals the opportunities to develop skills and confidence, re-connect with themselves and their community, and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

Keep an eye outπŸ‘€, as we will be sharing more about how the GCP came to be, our links and how we continue to work together.

Find out more about the GCP, their activities, volunteering opportunities and inspiring stories, visit their website πŸ‘‰πŸ½https://grassmarket.org/

Address

Greyfriars Place
Edinburgh
EH12QQ

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Greyfriars Kirk posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Greyfriars Kirk:

Videos

Our Story

Greyfriars Kirk is a place of worship, a place to celebrate the arts, events and exhibitions as being a well-known historical landmark for all ages.

We even have a dressing up corner for children and a β€œhead in the hole” photo opportunity!


Comments

Why be enterprising? Entrepreneurial impacts for churches

This workshop is about sharing experiences of enterprise through stories and tips from practitioners.

Richard Frazer (Greyfriars Kirk) will explore how church and commerce can be realigned to generate finance while creatively extending mission with Jaime Edwards-Acton (Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church Hollywood), Catherine Jones (Grassmarket Community Project), David Neita (Entrepreneur) and Stephen Norrish (Milton Keynes Christian Foundation).

Garrison and Guard Our Hearts with These Truths

These verses in I Thessalonians Chapter 4 take us into areas where each of has to visit at some time – areas of life and death and bereavement and grief and sadness

But in Verse 14 we learn that death does not have the last word. Jesus Christ has!

Jesus who died and rose again is one of the central themes of Paul’s preaching and teaching and writing.

It was central to Peter’s preaching too, and it must remain central today.

Verse 15 – The Lord revealed it to Paul. Jesus is still revealing truths to men. He says it all here with such assurance.

Verse 16 – Paul goes on to speak about that day when Jesus Christ will return.

The Lord Himself will come down and there will be a shout, and there will be the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

Do you see how important it is to be β€˜in Christ’?

Verse 17 – Then those who are alive will be caught up with them.

β€œCaught up” indicates that there will be a sudden swoop and of such a force which cannot be resisted.

On that day, nothing will be able to hold me or tie me to this earth. This may sound so fantastic that it is beyond belief – but it will happen.

Some believers will never die. There will be a meeting with Christ in the air, because no auditorium on earth will be large enough to hold everyone who will be present.

This is what is popularly called the Rapture. Rapture has that sense and meaning of β€˜being seized’ – to plunder – a thing retained with an eager grasp – or – eagerly claimed and conspicuously exercised – to take away by force!

We shall be with Him and with His. We shall be caught up in a similar manner as he was caught up in Acts Chapter 1. How else are we going to get up into the air?

God will accomplish this at the correct time – and we will be away from all pain – sorrow – tragedy – suffering – fear – sin – and away from all this for ever.

This is the next great world event – an everlasting indestructible body – the details of which we are not given.

Jesus was raised with a new body – the first of its kind – and the only one of its kind in the whole universe. It is not like the body of the raised widow of Nain’s son – or that of the resurrected Lazarus – these were mortal bodies which would die again - and which did die again.

Verse 18 – Encourage or comfort or fortify one another with these words.

With this knowledge from the Scriptures, our aim now is to get on with living for Jesus Christ.

Earthly words at such a time are weak and pathetic and that is why we are to speak divine words. Let this inspire your heart and increase your faith in Christ and his word.

This is one of the central doctrines of our Christian Faith. There are some 300 references to this in the New Testament. There are also some 300 references to the Cross.

There is not a word here about those who fall asleep outside of Christ.

Our faith looks back to the Cross, and our hope looks forward to His Coming, and we live in love right in the middle of these two events.

Death is like an anaesthetic which God uses to put us to sleep, while He changes our mortal bodies into immortal.

Garrison and guard your heart with these truths.

β€œLord our God – we thank You for revealing the wonder of these truths – we thank You that when we need to know we can know – and we trust you totally for these matters that as yet we do not know. We thank you for such a complete and comprehensive and satisfying faith – all available to us through the grace and mercy and love of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. Amen.”

(This week's "Word from Scotland" - previous articles may be found at Studylight.org and liveasif.org in the 'Archives' - warmest greetings in Christ Jesus.)
How Character and Ministry Go Together

We move on to I Thessalonians Chapter 2 – β€œYou know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.” It was not for nothing that we came – it was not for nothing that all this has happened. Are there not times and occasions when we do wonder if our work and service and ministry has achieved and accomplished much?

v.1 – God owned and honoured the ministry. Paul was able to see how God had been present throughout all their efforts – and it had been tough.

v.2 – What happened to us did not affect what we were nor what we did.

There is no limit to what men will do against the Gospel. These chapters in Acts 16 and 17 indicate just how difficult circumstances had been.

Various questions arise here. Was Paul being accused of being a criminal on the run?

We almost have to expect much contention as the Gospel is contested – for some it becomes a contest – and nowhere is that more clear than in certain moral matters within our own nation just now.

Was Paul being misrepresented? Misrepresentation is part of the cost of exercising a faithful ministry.

Suffering seemed to sharpen his witness.

We see the pressures and persecution facing Paul and the team.

This was a successful church and the enemy detests successful churches. If he can, he will attack the message being preached, and the message has not changed in 2,000 years.

v.3 – My motives were pure. When we consider what had been happening the whole work appeared to be a stake.

Was Paul being accused of being deceived and deceiving? Sometimes the enemy attacks the messenger – and that appears to have happened here.

Error has that meaning of deceit – and impure motives has the underlying meaning of uncleanness, and has that hint of being a womaniser – and trickery has the meaning of guile. It is the word used for β€˜angling to catch with bait’ – offering as a lure something that is not what it seems to be – a confidence trickster – exploiting truth.

These were big accusations.

Satan means slanderer – or liar - and he is the father of all lies. People were saying terrible things about Paul after he had left Thessalonica.

v.4 – He writes about their calling. It was God who entrusted us with His holy Word here. They had been tried out by God, and then trusted for service.

No Master is going to commit such a ministry to us, without first testing us, to see if we are fit to do the work, and remain faithful with such a responsibility.

Can God trust us and depend upon us?

Paul is a God pleaser. He is responsible to God and he knows he has to answer to God. This is why it is so pointless to seek to please men. We are to please God.

After all, God tests our hearts.

People had been trying to put these new believers in Jesus and disciples of Jesus – off Paul – and thereby off the Gospel, which he preached.

He had experienced suffering in Philippi and now in Thessalonica – but suffering did not deter Paul from his work and ministry. Suffering did not even deter him from returning to the synagogue.

He was no failure – and the fact that there was a church in Thessalonica indicates that he was no failure. He came – having been sent by God – and his integrity is obvious to all who have eyes to see.

This letter also reveals the power of God that motivated this man – and suffering seemed to sharpen his witness, rather than blunt it.

After Paul came to Christ Jesus, he went off into the desert to work things out – perhaps even to count the cost as he prepared and trained for his calling.

After his apprenticeship and preparation and training, he was soon sent out in the name of Jesus, and this mighty ministry began.

After you pass the early initial tests, you are sent out.

In this passage we see how character and ministry go together.

What we are is as vital as what we are doing. Even then, people can point the accusing finger at our work and our character – and sadly sometimes with good reason.

β€œDo not let what you consider good to be spoken of as evil.” Romans 14: 16.

We cannot avoid misrepresentation, opposition, criticism and persecution – but we must not hand people ammunition.

β€œLord God – help me to see Your Hand in all I do in the service of Jesus Christ. Guard my heart – guard my mind – protect me from the tempter’s traps and snares. Teach me from this passage. Help me, risen and living Lord Jesus. Amen”

(This week's "Word from Scotland" - previous articles may be found at Studylight.org and liveasif.org in the 'Archives' - warmest greetings, in Christ Jesus.)
We heard about β€˜Lockdown Bobby’ on Radio 4 this morning and as with the rest of the world Bobby is a much loved character in our home. He was taught to us in primary school in Scotland so we’ve had a go at recreating Bobby with mashed potato! Bobby will be reformed tomorrow as a topping for a Shepherdess Pie. My wife Dorrie is the arty one so guess which one I made..........
Following Preaching and Teaching in Thessalonica – They Pray

We turn to I Thessalonians Chapter 1 – having read in Acts of how this Church was birthed. This is a letter from Paul and Silas, or Silvanus, and Timothy, and it is sent to the Church, and the wording is most specific and precise.

It is some title – written from Corinth – and there is a strong suggestion that both letters were written within a week or two of each other – or a few months at the most.

We have been dealing with themes and topics recently – all biblical and biblically based – but it is good to take a letter – part of Scripture – a portion of the Word of God – and feed upon it.

And if you like reading other people’s letters then enjoy Thessalonians.

These are significant opening words. God without Christ can give rise to a question, and Christ without God is nothing but heresy, but God and Christ is power and these people knew the power of God the Holy Spirit.

There is a double emphasis here. The Church belongs to Christ and to God.

When we belong to God we belong to Christ, and when we belong to Christ we belong to Almighty God.

There is another double emphasis – Grace and Peace to you – which speaks of the unity between the Father and the Son, and of course, the Holy Spirit.

There is perfect unity and perfect harmony and perfect agreement. From that unity flows grace and peace.

Grace and peace flow from a source which knows no disunity or disharmony.

No matter what shortages there are on earth, there will never be a shortage of grace and peace.

The Church of Jesus Christ is universal, but this letter is written to a church in a particular place.

Thessalonica was named after the sister of Alexander the Great. It was on the main road from Rome to India – west to east – and we know it was governed by a democratically elected Assembly – and we think this is the first such place to which the Christian faith had come. What happened in this city could be transported and take root elsewhere.

This was another strategically important area for a different reason from the Roman colony of Philippi.

Alexander the Great came to conquer for Greece.

Paul came in a different direction to conquer for Jesus Christ the King, and with very different methods.

Everywhere Alexander of Macedonia went, the people spoke Greek, and as Paul preached in Greek, the Gospel of Jesus Christ swept through the Greek and now Roman Empire.

Although we regard this letter as one of Paul’s, do note that there are three names in the opening greetings. They had had a good mission in the sense that there was spiritual fruit for Christ Jesus and Paul gave thanks for what happened when he visited Thessalonica.

This is being written to real disciples of Jesus Christ just like you and me.

This team was praying for these believers, and they never forgot their very real faith.

Think for a moment of this letter being read – again and again

From our reading of the letter we learn that this was not a church with a lot of people and it did not have a lot of money.

It was not what might be called a β€˜busy’ church – with not a lot of meetings – but with a lot of faith and hope and love.

This community of faith had the marks which mark the family of God.

It was a faith that acts – we are speaking of work that is produced by faith - and a love that labours – and love that holds on. They had worked at being disciples and being lights for Christ. Their endurance is inspired by hope, or assurance.

Love has very little to do with how we feel – love is what you do as consequence of your faith in Jesus Christ. It is what you do about it that matters.

The love of these people saw them toil until they were tired – and then some.

Faith and love and hope are all to be found in Jesus Christ.

β€œLord God Almighty – prepare us for what You have to say to us and teach us through this part of Scripture – may that grace and peace fill our hearts and lives and overflow from us , as we serve. Enable us to toil until we are tired – and then some – so help us, Father – in Jesus name.”

(This week's "Word from Scotland" - previous articles may be found at Studylight.org and liveasif.org in the 'Archives' - warmest greetings to you, in Christ Jesus.)
x

Other Edinburgh museums (show all)

Global South Asians Anatomical Museum, Teviot Place, Edinburgh, The University of Edinburgh Talbot Rice Gallery The ECA WOT Gladstone's Land The Scotch Whisky Experience Camera Obscura and World of Illusions St Cecilia's Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum Tartan Weaving Mill Museum on the Mound Surgeons' Hall Museums University of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums Edinburgh Dungeon Edinburgh College of Art at the University of Edinburgh Museum of Magic, Fortune-telling & Witchcraft