Ligonier Ministries hosted its first conference in London in late September. Close to 1,200 people registered for ‘The Light of the World’, held at Methodist Central Hall.
The Revd Mark Johnston, Bethel Presbyterian Church, began Friday evening remarking how controversial the title of the conference is. It wasn’t ‘A Light of the World’ or simply ‘Light of the World’. Rather, this conference was called ‘The Light of the World’, and in the midst of a postmodern culture, the definite article makes all the difference.
Dr Alistair Begg, Parkside Church, then challenged attendees to truly believe in the authority of Scripture, for it ‘is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness’ (2 Tim. 3:16).
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary president, Dr Albert Mohler, opened on Saturday morning, reminding everyone of the theological nature of truth. ‘Truth exists because God exists,’ said Dr. Mohler. Then Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, St Peter’s Free Church, encouraged those in attendance with Christ’s words, ‘My yoke is easy, and my burden is light’ (Matt. 11:30). Although we face many trials and difficulties in this fallen world, Christ secured our rest by paying a ‘bloody price.’
Before lunch, Dr Ferguson, The Revd Mez McConnell, Niddrie Community Church, The Revd Paul Levy, IPC Ealing, Dr Michael Reeves, Union School of Theology, and The Revd Jeremy Walker, Maidenbower Baptist Church, joined Chris Larson, Ligonier Ministries, for a panel discussion on the state of the church in the United Kingdom. Together they considered some of the unique challenges Christians face in the UK, explored several doctrines that are most under attack today, and shared their favourite stories from the Reformation.
The day concluded with two additional messages. Dr Michael Reeves, Union School of Theology, spoke on the purpose of suffering in the Christian life and the comfort we can enjoy as Christians even in the midst of our pain. Dr Reeves remarked that ‘suffering always teaches us far more than comfort and ease’. Dr Burk Parsons, Saint Andrew’s Chapel, then delivered the closing address with a message on the Great Commission, emphasising the responsibility and the privilege of the church to make disciples of all nations.
