Nya Stoeryds kyrka

Vilket annorlunda perspektiv! David Dickson var en äldste i den Skotska fria kyrkan under 1800-talet och skrev en bok angående äldsteämbetet (”The Elder and His Work”). Här är ett utdrag där han beskriver sin plan att besöka familjer på Herrens dag:

For several years I have adopted a plan in which I have had much comfort and satisfaction… The plan I refer to is spending an hour every Sabbath evening with one family in my district… It is the best time for the elder, for the rest and priviligies of the Sabbath have put his heart in tune for such employment. And it is best for the family; they are all at home, disengaged, expecting us, and not likely to be disturbed. How good and pleasant it is thus to go in upon a family at their quiet fireside on a Sabbath evening, the family Bible on the table ready for us, the whole reminding us of that family religion that once made Scotland great and good, and that, if continued and renewed, would make her still a joy and blessing to the whole earth! The family - how much of a nation’s happiness and prosperity depends on that institution as a nursery, a school, a sanctuary, a little church, and an emblem of the great family - “the whole family” (Epg. 3:15), part of which is in heaven, and part still on earth!

VIlken annorlunda syn på:

1. Herrens dag. En vilodag helgad av Herren för vår uppbyggelse i den kristna tron.

2. Äldsteämbetet. En herdetjänst för att uppmuntra kyrkans medlemmar i deras kristna vandring.

3. Familjen. En hel nations välsignelse. Familjens andliga tillstånd avgör framtiden för både kyrka och samhälle.

Har kyrkan i vårt land förlorat dessa Bibliska principer?