The Glory of God
Summary of the Messages by Dr Paul Ferguson at the True Life Sabbatical Jubilee Camp, 14-18 June 2010, Tioman Island,
Malaysia
(I)
The Glory of God in Creation (Ps 19:1)
In the first message of the camp we began by having a brief look at the history of the Westminster Assembly. We were then directed to the fact that the Divines sought to elevate the view of God and diminish man in their deliberations. In our study of Psalm 19, the speaker unfolded how that the Psalmist declared that everything in this world was and is created to declare the Glory of God. In particular, we saw (1) Creation begins and ends with God, (2) Creation has a Purpose,
(II)
The Glory of God in Salvation (Heb 2:9)
In the second message of the camp we looked at the Glory of God in Salvation from Hebrews 2:9. We saw that salvation is all of God and so He alone gets all the glory from it in Christ. The campers were reminded that God must have all the glory in salvation because (1) God planned it all, (2) God effected it all, and (3) God will perfect it all.
(III)
The Glory of God in Worship (Ps 148:13)
In the third message of the camp the message centred on the worship of God. We noted that despite the attempts made today to make man the object of worship that from the beginning this was not so. The speaker showed (1) that God was the object of our worship, (2) that there were a number of purposes in worship – to praise and glorify God, to edify the saints, and to encourage the saints, (3) that there were hindrances to true worship (Psalm 24), (4) that there must be a purity of worship – music that is disorderly (1 Cor 14:33, 40), that teaches an unbiblical philosophy, that takes the focus from the lyrics, that is sentimental, and mere emotionalism is to be avoided (1 Cor 15:33), (5) that worship will be perfected in heaven.
(IV)
The Glory of God in Providence (Rom 11:33-36)
In the fourth message, the speaker dealt with the subject of Providence – the doctrine that God provides for His creatures and creation. We saw that traditionally Reformed Churches have adopted a high view of the Providence of God. We were encouraged to see God as here with us but also that He is everywhere, within and without, sustaining all things, and guiding every event in history to a glorious consummation. The speaker made the following points:
Absolute Sovereignty of God in Providence
We were urged to see God as a living Sovereign who is actively interested in human affairs and actively intervening in them. This He does unguided and unadvised for His own glory.
Wisdom of God in Providence
We were directed to the great wisdom of God in providence in the lives of men like Joseph, Daniel and even the Apostle Paul in Scriptures. The speaker pointed out that Providence of God in their lives and in our own lives was just as much God’s working as any of the miracles in the Bible. We must always interpret our experiences by our doctrine of the wisdom of God’s Providence.
Incomprehensibility of God in Providence
We then saw that God’s providential workings are “unsearchable” and “past finding out.” The speaker encouraged us to simply respond in humility, confidence in God, courage, and in a doxology of praise (Rom 11:36).
(V)
The Glory of God in Church History (Ps 63:1-2)
In the penultimate message, the speaker took the topic of surveying the wonderful work of God in Church history. We were shown how the past warns of the dangers in the present (1 Cor. 10:11). The speaker also pointed out that the church has many great monuments and pillars of the past which remind us of the goodness and faithfulness of God. The following points were made about God’s interventions:
God Intervenes Sovereignly in Church History
We were urged to keep at the forefront of our minds that God is the Sovereign, Immutable, and Living God who acts, intervenes, and erupts into the history of the Church and the life of individuals.
The effects of God’s intervention in power on His Church there were many effects such as a heightened reverence and fear of God, a sense of personal sin and the holiness of God, the formation of Bible societies and great missionary movements, and the proliferation of great hymnody movements from hearts overflowing with praise of the goodness of God.
God Uses Human Instruments in Church History
We saw that God uses men from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and with differing abilities so that God alone gets the glory in Church history. There is the need for God to intervene in power in our churches and lives.
(VI)
The Glory of God in the Second Coming of Christ (Rev 21:23)
In the final message the speaker reminded the campers of the glorious truth of the return of Christ in power and glory. This day will surpass every other day of the glory of God in Biblical and Church history. It will be a day when Christ will conquer all the foes of His kingdom and He will reign supreme on this earth. This truth should lift us above our trials, fears, and threats of intimidation.
The speaker made the following points: (1) Jesus Christ is the centre of all history – All history begins, is sustained, and will be consummated in Him. (2) Believers need to prepare themselves to meet Him. (3) Christ will come at exactly the right moment – No man will end this world but it will be only at the Sovereign plan and timing of God. (3) The great Glory of God will be revealed at that moment.
*****
Thanksgiving Letters
“Dear Dr Khoo and the Session of True Life BPC.
We would like to thank you all for recent camp which we were graciously allowed to attend. Thank God for the feast of God’s Word, fellowship with believers, fabulous food for every meal and fun in the sun! It was especially heartening to hear Dr Paul preach the Word again (he was our camp speaker last year), and heart- warming to renew friendships as well as make new friends. We wish God’s richest blessings upon True Life BPC.” The Tabernacle pilgrims: Mee Mee (Lydia), together with Bee Pheng (Kezia), Isaac, Keturah and Javan Koh
“We thank God for the warm hospitality shown by True Life BPC members. We especially would like to express our thanks to Dn Charles Kan and Dn Tan Beng Lee for seeing to our needs. Our family has been much encouraged and blessed by the soul- stirring messages of Dr Paul Ferguson, Rev Errol Stone, Rev Hien Nguyen, and Rev Stephen Khoo. In particular we learned from the message, “The Glory of God in Providence,” our need to trust and obey Him at very step of our life’s journey to glorify and enjoy Him. We are also to approach Him with clean hands and pure hearts in worship. Most of all, we are to make every effort to study His Word and to live it. All thanks and glory be unto God.” Wai Ho, Tse’fong, Jan & Tim (Calvary Pandan BPC)
“To the leadership and our family in Christ at True Life B-P Church: We will always remember your kindness and care for us and the blessings God has bestowed upon us by your generosity and Christian love in bringing us to your Sabbatical Camp and to once again be revitalised even in the twilight of our years. Keeping you in prayer with grateful hearts.” Eld & Mrs Harold Watkins (Faith Presbyterian Church, Perth)
