In Gratitude

These past two days, the fair campus of Grove City College was blessed by the presence and preaching of Dr. J. Ligon Duncan, senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, Mississippi.

Dr. Duncan came as a guest of the College and a plenary speaker of the second annual Grove City Evangelical Scholarship Conference, celebrating the 500th birthday of John Calvin this year. While I could ramble on about his many qualifications and accolades (Dr. Duncan is both a scholar and a gentleman, to be sure), and of the varying details of the conference, I want to make but a simple point here: expression of deep and sincere gratitude to for Dr. Duncan coming and preaching the pure and unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ.

In chapel services Monday evening ("Covenants, Sacraments, and Assurance" on Hebrews 6, Genesis 15, 16, 17 and Joshua 9) and Tuesday morning (on Luke 2:1-7), we received nothing but positive feedback, and a sincere appreciation from the student body for what they felt were two of the best chapels of the semester.

There is no doubt a thirst here for faithful, practical, thorough, theologically sound, robust and powerful preaching of Word of God, rather than the ever-popular musings on events and happenstance that are vaguely spiritual or religious. And while the former happens more often that the latter, it doesn't happen often enough, which is why Monday evening in particular was such a wonderful opportunity for many. The preaching of the Word was accompanied with joyous singing, prayer, and faithful exposition of the Word and thoughtful application from the Word ("Less of what I have to say, more of what the Word has to say," to paraphrase Calvin).

Monday, we were reminded of the signs and seals of God in the sacraments and how that reassures us that God will uphold His covenant promises, in spite of our failure and faithlessness, for He never fails and is always faithful. Tuesday, as we heard the ever familiar "Christmas passage" from Luke 2, mindful of the fact that, though visited by angels, Mary and Joseph experienced trial and persecution, as do we, though often without angelic message--still on we press, in obedience and faitfulness, for we walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that what is happening is in accordance wih the Lord's perfect will.

Yes, indeed, it was a wonderful time to see the Lord's people gather in worship, as we were joyoulsy edified by the faithful proclamation of the Word of God.

FPC and RTS Jackson, you are very fortunate and very blessed indeed to have such a wonderful man of God and shepherd in that place.

Dr. Duncan, thank you for everything. We'll look forward to seeing you again soon, Lord willing.

soli Deo gloria!

HT: FPC Jackson blog