The annual Free Church School in Theology in Larbert provides an opportunity for ministers, elders and other interested persons from various church backgrounds to meet in relaxing surroundings, enjoy stimulating fellowship together and learn more of the wonderful things of God. This year’s well-attended School proved to be a truly international affair with 39 men from 9 countries present for all or part of the time. They were not only fed well by the staff at Carronvale; a real spiritual feast was provided by the various speakers.
The School opened on the Monday evening with John J Murray giving an Overview of the Reformed Recovery which took place during the second half of the 20th Century. The influence of the likes of Prof John Murray, Dr D Martyn Lloyd-Jones and the Banner of Truth Trust were noted. Although still being treasured in the Free Church, it appears that Calvin and the Puritans had fallen into disrepute amongst most evangelicals by 1950. Thankfully this situation is much reversed, though much remains to be done for the reformation of the church today.
The following day proved a real treat. After the first of a series of excellent devotional addresses from Brian Norton, Durham, on worship, Gavino Fioretti, spoke of the work of the Gospel in his native Italy from before the Reformation to the present day. In speaking of the power of the Papacy, both past and present, he made it clear that as well as being pseudo-Christian, it is very much a political force in Italy and beyond that country. Although many Italians do not attend Mass, it is still the case that to be Italian is seen by many as being a Roman Catholic. Thankfully the Protestant cause has grown and now there is more of a Reformed witness than there used to be. Italy needs our prayers.
Thereafter, John MacLeod (Tomatin) spoke most movingly on ‘The sufferings of Christ – the soul of His sufferings’. Having indicated that His sufferings began not in the last days of His life on earth but at His incarnation and birth, he focused on the shadows of Gethsemane and then the great horror of darkness which was the cross. These sufferings showed the awfulness of sin, God’s justice against sin and the love of God for sinners in Christ.
After lunch James Gracie (Edinburgh) led those present through Leviticus showing that, contrary to common perception, it was a book which could and should be preached from and even consecutively. It contains much that is evangelistic and much of Christ, as well as directions as to how the believer is to live today. In the evening, Robert McCollum (Lisburn) gave a masterly overview of the history of Presbyterianism in Ireland. It was thrilling to hear of God’s work in that country, of the mighty revivals of the 17th Century and later, of great persecution and of amazing deliverances by God. The Lord of the past is the same Lord today who can do for us what he did for previous generations.
On the Wednesday, after some interesting and varied book reviews, Maurice Roberts (Inverness) spoke on the New Covenant in Hebrews 8. He showed clearly the place of the New Covenant in the scheme of redemption, that it is the climax of the revelation of the Covenant of Grace as revealed to Abraham in Genesis 15 and to Moses at Sinai. Although it is called new, it has the same basic message as those it superseded. As such, it not only reveals the same way of salvation but the same standards of behaviour that God demands of His people. It is new because Christ has come and has fulfilled the OT types.
In the evening, Allan Murray (Brora) spoke on ‘Asserting truth in a Pluralistic Society’. He traced the roots of pluralism and showed that the problem was that we now live in the post-modern age, where there are no ultimate, definite truths and man makes his own truth for himself. In showing the irrationality of those who promote relativism as a viable option for living, he pointed out that the church must continue to assert truth despite the world’s hatred of those who claim to have ultimate truth. Post-modern man studies much yet learns little. He needs the truth. The church must not be ashamed to proclaim it boldly.
Finally, on the Thursday, Kenneth MacDonald (Skye) took the School through the maze (or should that be minefield) of pastoral issues in ‘Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage’. To be a pastor is not easy, and it was useful to hear much wise counsel and advice on this area where the devil is seeking to do so much harm.
Truly, this was a School full of varied and stimulating fare. Recordings of all the addresses, both tapes and CDs, are available from Mr Andrew Allan, Tel: 01349 882908. Next year’s School has been arranged to take place in Larbert from 11-14th September 2006 and is open to all serious students of the Bible. Further details are available from the Secretary, Rev Graeme Craig, Tel 01599 555372 Email: graemecraig@fccontinuing.org.
Rev. Graeme Craig