The Birmingham Conference, organised by the Christian Worship Trust and hosted by Ebenezer Chapel in Old Hill, Birmingham has become a regular fixture in the diary, with this year’s attendance, on 23rd and 24th March, seeing record numbers in attendance.
In two addresses Robert Dickie, from Michigan, tackled aspects of the downgrade in public worship that have tragically come into the evangelical world. Firstly, he demonstrated how the embracing of a worldly culture leads to a casual approach to worship and a devastating effect on the life of the church. From Paul’s reference in 1 Timothy 3.15, Mr Dickie showed that ministers bear great responsibility in upholding Godly and reverent conduct by personal example as well as by teaching. In his second message, Mr Dickie spoke from the first chapter of Malachi on the theme of careless worship, showing the cause, the characteristics, and the curse of this widespread problem. Finally he made a strong and stirring appeal for churches to maintain the principles of reverent, biblical worship.
In the first of his two addresses Maurice Roberts, of Inverness, showed that God assesses nations as well as individuals. Just as the British church scene has declined over the past fifty years, so the spiritual and moral state of the nation has fallen to new depths. We may well be facing further divine judgement. The great need of our country is a revival of the true Christian religion, and the Lord’s people must earnestly and urgently pray and proclaim the gospel. Mr Roberts’ second address developed the need of revival as being the only real remedy for our present serious state, and warmly described the glorious, transforming effects of such a work of God. May God grant such a revival!
Christopher Buss, from Ashford, preached searchingly at the Friday evening Gospel rally from John 18 and Pilate’s cynical question, ‘’What is truth?’. He contrasted what the world and the bible say about ‘truth’. The world evades the truth, but God’s word is always the truth and we are called to believe it! The question remains, what are we doing about the ‘truth’!
In an afternoon session, Dewi Higham, from Cardiff, led the men in a thought provoking discussion of the biblical principles and benefits of co-operation between churches. The vital theme of prayer was prominent among matters raised. Meanwhile, Patricia Buss from Ashford spoke to the women, very helpfully by all accounts, on how to grow old graciously and how to prepare for old age.
This was a conference of excellent ministry, encouraging fellowship and warm hospitality. Sincere thanks is due to the organisers, hosts, speakers, and above all to the Lord for His goodness and blessing over the two days.
John Saunders