The Birmingham Conference, the annual gathering organised by The Christian Worship Publishing Trust, was this year streamed online due to the pandemic restrictions.
Pastor Ibrahim Ag Mohammed, of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, very ably opened up the Epistle to the Hebrews, giving us a soul refreshing picture of Christ’s supremacy and all-sufficiency. The Epistle, written at the time of Nero when some were losing heart is most suitable for the present time with its warning, motivating, enlivening, themes, the antidote to deadness, dullness and lethargy.
We were given a masterly exposition of the sevenfold glory of Christ and a breath-taking view of Him who is better by far than any other thing this world can offer.
Pastor Jonathan Stobbs of Penzance then took the theme of Union with Christ in the teaching of John Calvin, highlighting it as a central doctrine of his teaching. We were shown something of the enormous benefit and blessing of our salvation ‘in Christ’. Pastor Stobbs opened up his theme most brilliantly and at the same time gave us new insights into the reading of Calvin’s Institutes.
In the evening we were treated to a Gospel sermon by Pastor Dewi Higham of Cardiff. This was a winsome and clear Gospel message, preached with the unction and enabling of the Holy Spirit. A Gospel message is always part of our annual conference programme.
Pastor Ibrahim’s second session majored on the practical application and consequences for the believer of the Supremacy of Christ. Because Christ is supreme and pre-eminent therefore the saints are called to, and will persevere. We were reminded that there is a strong element of warning in the Epistle, warning being part of love and encouragement.
Pastor Stobbs’ second address was on the theme of Union with Christ in the ministry of the Puritans where he described most lucidly how they applied this doctrine to the everyday life of believers, and the church.
All the ministry was deep, lively, spiritual, practical, challenging and helpful. The themes interlocked and harmonised, each adding light and weight to the other.
The sessions were chaired by Pastor David Kay of Barnstable, his calm and reverent chairmanship adding greatly to the beneficial and God-honouring atmosphere of this conference. On the technical side, credit is due to those who were responsible for the seamless quality of the presentation.
A most encouraging number tuned into the sessions which can still be accessed on the Christian Worship website.
Next year, the conference is scheduled for 18th-19th March DV, when we hope to resume meeting together for teaching and fellowship.
Roland Burrows