School of Theology 2014
Please note that the 2020 School of Theology did not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Rightly Dividing the Word’
› See 2021 lectures ‘The War Against the Authentic Biblical Text’
› See 2019 lectures ‘The True Dynamism of the Local Church’
› See 2018 lectures ‘The Depth and Scope of God’s Truth’
› See 2017 lectures ‘Our Glorious Reformation Legacy’
› See 2016 lectures ‘Calvary and Covenant’
› See 2015 lectures ‘Pathway to Power’
› See 2014 lectures ‘Rightly Dividing the Word’
› See 2013 lectures ‘Recovery from Spiritual Decline’
› See 2012 lectures ‘Living and Walking in the Holy Spirit’
› Four Rare Messages from Dr William Hendriksen (1979)
Living By Revealed Truth
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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)
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
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
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 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.
Spurgeon’s Approach to a Bible Passage 2
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.
A Pastoral and Doctrinal View of 1 Corinthians (2)
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’ 2
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.
Drawing the Message from the Bible 2
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.
Drawing the Message from the Bible 3
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.