You might think it strange for about 250 ministers, many of them quite senior (that is, old) to hear ten sermons or lectures about the gospel at the annual Leicester Ministers’ conference (otherwise known as the ‘Banner of Truth’ conference). Isn’t the gospel something basic? Should ministers of all people need to be reminded of the gospel?
Well yes – we do, and all Christians need to be reminded all the time of the gospel, so fundamental is its influence on the Christian life.
We heard from Sinclair Ferguson on the power of the gospel (Romans 3:21-26 – those wonderful words justification, propitiation and redemption) and then its logic (the chain of assurances Paul gives in Romans 8:31-38). He also spoke of the gospel’s mystery – from Romans 16:25-27.
Warren Peel, who has taken on the pastorate from his father in law Ted Donnelly in Belfast, spoke excellently on what the gospel means for us – freedom from a guilty conscience and freedom from a performance mindset. He spoke again on the gospel as the comfort and joy of the church – the gospel purifies our motives, cures our distrust, satisfies our desires and humbles our hearts.
Jonathan Watson spoke on the matter of life and death that the gospel is for the world, his text being Paul’s stated determination that his life meant nothing to him if he could not live to preach the gospel (Acts 20:28).
Jeremy Walker, from Crawley, spoke of the way the gospel determines our character and provides us with our calling as preachers.
Many particularly enjoyed Michael Reeves, head of theology for UCCF, who spoke on the missionary heart of God (John 20:19-23) and then gave an excellent talk on Augustine, highlighting his conversion and the way that that demonstrated the gospel.
It was a great few days. The ministry was edifying, the fellowship was refreshing, and it was good to be reminded in so many different ways of how great is the gospel of our glorious God.
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