School of Theology 2014

Among various systems of Biblical interpretation, two are most prominent among Reformed evangelicals. One of these draws its method from the Bible itself, and may be called the traditional approach. Another is of more recent devising by theological liberals, but is now widely taught in evangelical seminaries; we may call it the new evangelical approach.

This year’s School sought to commend the traditional system. This lay behind the sermons of the Reformation and times of awakening and revival. It inspired the preaching of luminaries such as George Whitefield and CH Spurgeon. This is the method that mined treasures of application for generations of believers, before the excessively technical and somewhat humanistic techniques of recent times came to prominence.

Various speakers including Pastor Peter Samuel (St Lucia), Pastor Roland Burrows, Pastor Ibrahim Ag Mohamed, Pastor Jack Seaton and Rev John Thackway presented ministry opening the message of several books of the Bible, showing how they applied the ‘rules’ of traditional interpretation to arrive at their teaching.

We were very pleased to welcome Professor Tom Nettles (USA) to speak about his new, acclaimed biography of CH Spurgeon, together with an unfolding of Spurgeon’s approach to Bible passages taken from his sermons.

Living By Revealed Truth

Dr Tom Nettles

As the author of a unique biography subtitled, The Life and Pastoral Theology of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Dr Nettles inspired emulation of Spurgeon’s submission and loyalty to the Word in times of awakening and of theological upheaval, and unquestioning devotion to Christ. (Tuesday evening)

Spurgeon’s Approach to a Bible Passage 1

Dr Tom Nettles

While Spurgeon’s sermons constitute the largest set of volumes by any author in the English language, and have attracted more readers than the sermons of any other preacher, it is evident that most of them could never have been composed using the system of expounding being promoted today. Spurgeon’s traditional approach to the Word will surely enliven greatly our own quest for the Spirit’s intended message.

The Necessity of Repentance and Faith in Salvation

Dr Tom Nettles

These twin graces paramount in apostolic preaching, memorably defined in the great Confessions, and so prominent in The ministry of Spurgeon, are frequently downgraded to a mere assent in our day. Dr Nettles will strongly affirm the Christ-centred nature of true repentance.

Drawing the Message from the Bible 1

Dr Peter Masters

The quest for the message has become confused in recent decades, with the new methods of interpretation eclipsing the old. The differences are considerable. What are they, how do they affect our understanding and preaching, and which is scriptural? This address showed in a positive way how the ‘old’ well-proved method of the centuries seeks out the pastoral, spiritual application of the text – the voice of Christ to His people.

The Drama of the Book of Proverbs

Dr Peter Masters

Proverbs is often called (by modern writers) a book of ‘sundry moral maxims’, a description that obscures the depths and purpose of its remarkable miniature parables. This address showed the plot of Proverbs, the cast, the themes and some prime examples of spiritual application evident to traditional expounders.

The Modernity of the Book of Job

Dr Peter Masters

Possibly the oldest book in Scripture, yet a demonstration of how Satan’s arguments against the faith never change. In one address a key was proposed for unlocking the counsels, helps and encouragements of this most rare and unconventional of Old Testament books.

A Pastoral and Doctrinal View of 1 Corinthians (1)

Rev. John Thackway

This deeply practical letter, containing some of the best-loved chapters in the Bible, suffers much by exaggeration of the corruptions of the Corinthian church, so that it is no longer ‘like our church’, or ‘in our situation’. This study showed the rich themes and counsels that apply to all churches in every age.

Malachi – ‘The Messenger of the Lord’ 1

Pastor Ibrahim Ag Mohamed

Emphasising the message of the prophet according to the principles of traditional interpretation, these addresses set out the topics covered by the eight questions posed in the book. Themes such as marriage and the marks of the godly abound, crying out for the attention of the expounder.

All the Faith in Hebrews

Pastor Roland Burrows

Pre-eminently a reasoned appeal for living by faith, Hebrews is also a manual of Old Testament interpretation. The modern (mistaken) approach sees the epistle as a tirade against unbelieving Jews. The traditional approach sees so much more.

A Spiritual Eye and Heart (Hebrews 2.9)

Pastor Jack Seaton

School of Theology Preparatory Devotional Address To be observant and receptive to the applicatory and devotional potential of the Word, the eye and the heart must be primed by the practice of spiritual communion with Christ.

2 Peter – Maintaining Soundness and Final Hope in Churches

Pastor Peter Samuel

Described as the perfect epistle for teaching the procedures for holiness, the glories of the Word, the root of apostasy, and the great hope of Christ’s return, 2 Peter yields up its treasures only by spiritual reflection.

The Impact of Sunday Schools: Social and Spiritual

Pastor Darren Cadapen

Darren Cadapen (Trinitarian Bible Society, London) surveyed the extraordinary past effect of Sunday Schools on Britain’s spiritual condition, and upon societal morality, proceeding to a review of latest Lessons for Life materials for young people.

Reformed Influence in the Russian Commonwealth

Pastor Georgi Viazovski

Pastor Georgi Viazovski pastors a church in Minsk, and also (since 1995) operates a ministry translating and publishing books, and produces a regular magazine for all Russian-speaking lands. The outcome, in terms of reformed pastors and conferences, has been remarkable, and this session gave an insight into the Lord’s work in the CIS.