I was delighted and surprised to be asked to write a review for the gazette on the recent EMW Aberystwyth Conference. Primarily because it is only my second year of attendance, (I know many of you have been going for decades) and secondly I spent most of the time chasing my two boys around the University and telling them to stop jumping on the hotel beds.
But such limitations do give you strength, and I hope that my relative inexperience of the Conference can give a fresh perspective for you – although I am now wishing I took notes!
I also want to say how fantastic it was to see such a high level of representation from Emmanuel’s and hope that all who could not make it this year, by God’s grace join us in 2012 (Psalm 133:1).
If I discuss each and every blessing received from the various sermons and workshops attended, I would certainly exceed the word limit by tenfold and still feel that I have not done the conference justice, so I will focus my review on David Norman Jones’ Keynote Address. However I must highlight the strength of Paul Levy’s message (Luke 18:35) that Jesus is here, right now….will you be like the blind man and call on him, before it is too late? David Meredith’s passionate sermon on the Stupid Question (Acts 1:6) and our own ‘Celebrity Pastor’s’ brief welcome and announcements on Thursday evening – great to see you on the big screen Bernard!
The title of David Norman Jones’s conference address was “Overflowing Grace” and this was certainly something that my family experienced throughout the week. David (originally from Pembrokeshire and a student of Aberystwyth) had come all the way from Hobart, Tasmania, and wasn’t it worth the trip!
David took us through the chapters of Romans 9-11 and 15 from Tuesday to Friday morning. By his own admission he almost regretted selecting these chapters as he knew that some of the content would raise such tough questions, but by God’s grace (and considering the large amount of Scripture covered) he delivered in a structured manor with clear analogies, quotations and life experiences.
How Odd of God to Choose the Jews was the topic of the first address (brought to you by the Letter D, for those who watched Sesame Street), looking at Romans 9 covering election and Paul’s Duties, Dilemma (Has God’s Word failed with his Jewish brethren?) and finally his Delight, concluding it is Grace Not Race.
The Tragedy of Unbelief took us through Romans 10 and the Jewish position, applying it to the audience through our misdirected zeal (Acts 10:2), referencing the gentile conversion and the impact/jealousy it caused amongst the Jews (Acts 10:19). David highlighted to us how God is moving South and East through the developing world and how countries like Korea will soon be sending missionaries to the west as our countrymen (with great sadness) move further away from Christ.
The Mystery of Israel was the study of Romans 11. One of many lines that David shared stuck with me, “God’s work is not finished…(pause)…YET!” Meaning Jesus’ return is imminent! But until he returns, we have work to do, Israel’s fall is not final! A great Evangelical message.
To Boldly go where no one has been before, Launching the Friday morning with a rather contemporary Star Trek reference, David took us “boldly” through Romans 15:14-33, (brought to you by the letter P). David looked at how the passage shared the work of proclaiming, pioneering, partnering and praying. Illustrating our responsibility as a church to recruit, grow, send and build, using the example of Paul’s request for support from the Church of Rome (Romans 15:24). David highlighted how we should use our key members to recruit. “As the “Pillars” of our church they need to lead us into new areas of mission”, stating (almost comically) by definition, “Pillars” obstruct view and hold things up – so best to move them on”.
Aberystwyth (as ever) was cold, overcast, wet (on occasion) and mentally testing, but each morning that I awoke to Arthur and Oscar jumping on my bed at 6am, I thought of Annie Flint’s hymn “He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.” And looked forward to another complete day of fellowship bringing me closer to our Lord Jesus Christ! What more do you need from a holiday?
John Funnell
Loading ...