EPSOM METHODISTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 383, 18 June 1928, Page 14

EPSOM METHODISTS

In the morning the Rev. G. Bond preached an eloquent sermon on “Drifting," from Heb. 2 (Moffatt), “In case we drift away." The sermon abounded in point and illustration and made a deep impression. The vigour and mental power of this venerable minister are remarkable. In the evening the minister of the church, Rev. E. Drake, preached from

John x, 24: “How long dost Thou hold us in suspense? If Thou are the Christ, tell us plainly.” The preacher said that both in politics and religion we are the victims of phrases and catchwords. The same ideas, under other names, are not welcomed. We insist on plain speaking and exact definition. That was the case with the Jews of New Testament times. They had preconceived the Christ, and they were not prepared to accept any improvement on their ideas. He came as the fulfilment of the Old Testament, but He was not the Christ of the Pharisaic hope. They looked to Him for explanation when they needed assurance. Life is made up of the indefinable, the mysterious, the - suggestive. The best things cannot be explained—love, honour, justice, defy definition and analysis—yet such things make up the better part of life. Jesus Himself would not be so precious if we could explain Him and His place in the world. So, while He is life’s simplest fact, the simplicity transcends definition. We cannot explain Christ, but we can love Him. Love is the key to understanding; faith is the way to the knowledge of Him that saves.

During the evening the choir rendered Blunt’s setting of “Shall W'e Deny Our Lord," Mr. Peak being honorary organist.