Larbert School in Theology
The 56th School in Theology began on the evening of Monday 8 September and ran through until Thursday lunchtime. Just over 40 men were accommodated in the Scotland Boys Brigade Headquarters in Larbert.
The School was well represented by ministers from the Free Church of Scotland (Continuing). However, those of us from other backgrounds (including a Baptist from over the border!) were made to feel very welcome.
The time was divided into lectures, addresses and collective worship. The mind was stimulated, the conscience challenged and the heart warmed. There were times for conversation and fellowship too, especially during meal times, when there was no shortage of excellent food!
The first session was taken by Richard Brooks – on the life of Octavius Winslow. Highlights here were heart-warming quotations gleaned from the writings of this man of God.
Each of the three morning sessions began with a devotional time led by Jeremy Brooks. He spoke helpfully on occasions in the Gospels when Jesus repeated a name, namely: ‘Martha, Martha’; ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem’, and ‘Simon, Simon’.
In addition there were sessions from Mike Moore of Christian Witness to Israel; David Silversides on Hebrews 4:1-11; Humphrey Dobson of the Christian Institute; and Maurice Roberts on ‘The place of the Jews in the purpose of God’.
The closing session from Iain Murray was entitled, ‘What can we learn from the Puritans?’ His interesting presentation covered the Puritans’ historical background and their emphases on – a saving conversion, a methodical life, the Lord’s Day, Christian unity, the dangers of Roman Catholicism, and the mighty power of the Word of God when preached with the aid of the Holy Spirit.
Andrew Rowell
