The Keady Leaflet
Keady Life at a Crossroads
Which Way?
The
town of Keady owes its origin to a crossroads!
The ancient roads that linked the 4 garrison town of Armagh, Monaghan, Mountnorris and Castleblaney met at this point. Here people would have paused for food, for rest and conversation.
But a crossroads also asks the question, 'Which way now?'. A question to be considered by each one of us as we ponder the really important things of life...
A
Question of SECURITY
Keady nestles amongst the hills of South Armagh as they rise on wither side of the river flowing from Clay Lake. Perhaps it was the sight of such a landscape as this which inspired the words...
I will lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2
However, the lasting peace, security and direction that we all need can be ours only through entering a personal relationship with God the Father, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who says...
...I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
But this is only part of the story...
A Question of POWER
In
the 19th Century the tremendous driving power of water from the lakes to
the south of the town was harnessed by the many new mills in the area, the
result of which was growth and prosperity.
However, it will take far more than our own effort and ingenuity to secure our everlasting well-being. Even our very best falls short of the standard God sets...
...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...
Romans 3:23
...leading to consequences as serious as they come...
...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment...
Hebrews 9:27
Thankfully, God has already provided a 'rescue' plan for each one of us...
A Question of ACCESS
The
coming of the trains brought the challenge of how to cross the Tassagh
Valley, and today the viaduct stands as an impressive testimony of man's
ability to bridge the gap.
However, no matter how hard we try to live a decent life we will never 'bridge' the gap between us and God...
...your iniquities (sins) have separated you from your God...
Isaiah 59:2
Only the Lord Jesus Christ was 'good enough' to take the punishment we deserve, through His death on the Cross of Calvary...
...Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God.
1 Peter 3:18
But this won't be thrust upon us. We must be willing to turn away from all we know to be wrong, and seeking forgiveness, ask Christ Jesus into our lives to become our Saviour and Lord. Then, not only are we 'put right' with God but are given a completely new beginning...
...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17
A Question of DIRECTION
As
we ponder the way ahead God warns us that...
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 16:25
And although the Lord Jesus says that there is a cost involved in becoming one of His true followers...
If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Luke 9:23
...This is also the only way to true fulfillment, real freedom and everlasting security...
...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10
Bu the final and greatest challenge He leaves with you and me...
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stand condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
John 3:18
If you would like more information, please email jcurry@presbyterianireland.org
Photographs courtesy of Mr Stephen McMahon
Concept, design and thematic text (C) TELit 2003 144a Ferry Road, EDINBURGH EH6 4NX
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