Many people from all over the world travelled to Gartmore House, a few miles east of Loch Lomond, for the 2014 British Reformed Fellowship (BRF) family conference from July 26 – August 2.
The conference theme, ‘Be Ye Holy’, was ably developed in the six main talks and two Sunday sermons by David Engelsma and Herman Hanko, experienced ministers of the Word, seminary professors and Christian authors. Sanctification was understood in the light of God’s grace, compared and contrasted with justification, and related to the moral law (no antinomianism!). The imperfection and yet the victory of our sanctification in this life was clearly set forth.
The Revd Martyn McGeown, of the Limerick Reformed Fellowship in the Republic of Ireland, gave the opening address, explaining the role of good works in a holy life. In light of the conference subject and location, the historical lecture by Pastor Angus Stewart from Northern Ireland was ‘A Scottish Classic on Sanctification: James Fraser of Alness’s ‘explication’ of Romans 6.1 – 8.4’.
The two day trips to St Andrews and Edinburgh were introduced by a PowerPoint presentation on John Knox (born half a millennium ago this year), emphasising his connection with both cities. Coach trips to Loch Katrine, Stirling and Loch Lomond were also much enjoyed.
The next biennial BRF Conference is scheduled for July 16–23, 2016, in Castlewellan Castle, County Down. Talks from this year are available on CD or DVD.
