Every year in mid-November about 70 people make the journey to Swanwick in Derbyshire for the annual conference of the Reformation and Revival Fellowship.
There were two speakers this year, Geoff Thomas and George Macaskill. Both men were faithful to Scripture and warm in the delivery of the messages that the Lord had laid on their hearts. This year Geoff spoke through the first seven verses of Zechariah 3. All were shown the glory of forgiveness and a full salvation as Joshua in his rags and filth being cleansed was considered. Then onto the reality of justification and imputed righteousness as Joshua was clothed. The commission given to Joshua followed, and reminded all of the calling to serve God in this day and generation. It was rich fare and a privilege to be present.
Foundational truths
George Macaskill was new to the conference. Having fulfilled his ministry in Stornaway, he is now engaged in an itinerant ministry. In many ways his themes paralleled those of Geoff Thomas. Starting with Psalm 32.5 he showed all their sin and need for a Saviour and then reminded all of the glorious truth of full forgiveness in Christ. His second address was from Hebrews 12.14 and set out the doctrine of sanctification. Both preachers went back to foundational truths, but in an entirely fresh and relevant way. The third address from John 1.1 was a message of encouragement to trust the Lord even in the most difficult times. One notable quotation, among many pithy and relevant quotations, was from John Calvin, who said: ‘If there were no troubles there would be no role for faith.’ An emphasis not as prominent in this day as it needs to be.
