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 PrintableVersion The truth shall make you freeWestminster Conference 2007 papersLearning from past timesTHE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE Here are six stimulating papers from the 2007 Westminster Conference, intended chiefly for those engaged in gospel ministry. Roger Fay’s well-researched contribution on the abolition of slavery demonstrates how hard it was for Wilberforce and his colleagues to eradicate this ‘institutionalised sin’, but also ‘how a small but united group of Christians can achieve much under God’s blessing’ and ‘how the Lord honours persevering faith’. Any Christian would profit from reading this graphic account. It contains valuable lessons for today. Graham Harrison traces significant events in Charles Wesley’s life, then analyses his hymns, describing how they developed and often reflected his theological proclivities. There are judicious observations on three themes which triggered numerous hymns: Calvinism, ‘perfect love’ and assurance. Robert Strivens explores the relationship between Word and Spirit in preaching, explaining by means of a historical survey how the Lutheran position (‘Word and Spirit always work together, never apart’) differs from the Reformed approach (‘Spirit and Word are not indissolubly linked’). He shows the consequences of both views and urges preachers to respond through prayer, dependence on the Spirit, humility and diligent preparation. Maurice Roberts rescues from obscurity the 17th-century scholar Francis Turretin and his monumental theological Institutes. A mini-biography is followed by an outline of the Institutes and three examples of Turretin’s theological views. The main lesson drawn from this study is that Systematic Theology ought to be central to every preacher’s thinking and objectives. Jeremy Walker focuses on our knowledge of God in Christ, as expounded by Stephen Charnock. He quotes extensively from Charnock himself and other Puritans, with application to several issues, including worship, preaching and the way we handle Systematic Theology. John Harris paints a portrait of John Newton the preacher, highlighting the sermons connected with Olney hymns and those based on the words of Handel’s Messiah. He encourages us to follow Newton’s example by preaching plainly, directly, imaginatively and evangelistically. These papers add to our store of knowledge and understanding. The acid test of their effectiveness is in the practical applications. Are they appropriate (never forced or tendentious)? If so, will they lead to action? One final thought. With preaching so prominently featured in this collection, would it be helpful for the Conference to address the related but neglected subject of public Bible reading (see Reformation Today No. 212)? J.C. Ryle was converted through the public reading of Scripture... Derek Bigg, © Evangelicals Now - April 2009 |
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