The History of RHC
2004: RHC The inaugural Reformation Heritage Conference (RHC) was held at Grace Church in the fall of 2004. The speaker was Rev. Dr. Derek Thomas, Professor of Systematic Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary and Pastor of Teaching at First Presbyterian, both located in Jackson, MS. Dr. Thomas delivered three engaging lectures on the topic of "Calvin, Geneva, and Reformed Worship."
He emphasized the importance of worshiping God according to Scripture, not according to the trends of secular culture or the imaginations of our hearts. In addition, he stressed the importance of holding to the regulative principle of worship -- a principle which states that Christian worship ought to consist of nothing except what God has commanded in His Word. Also reinforced by Dr. Thomas was the biblical fidelity of Calvin's 16th c. Genevan liturgy, an order of public worship that was intentionally saturated with prayer, metrical Psalmody, the systematic reading and preaching of Scripture, and the sacraments. With this liturgy, Christians were weekly receiving the ordinary means that God promised would feed and nourish the souls of His redeemed children. Dr. Thomas concluded his time at Grace Church on the Lord's Day with a marvelous sermon from Revelation 19:6-10. The sermon was entitled "Worship God!"
The speaker for the second annual RHC was Dr. Darryl G. Hart, former professor of Church History and academic dean at Westminster Seminary in California and current Director for Honors programs at the Intercollegiate Studies Institute in Wilmington, Delaware. Dr. Hart presented three stimulating, scholarly lectures comparing and contrasting the simple ordinary-means-of-grace-centered ministry of the Protestant Reformers with the individualistic and experience-driven emphases of the preachers of the Great Awakening and all those who follow their lead in modern day evangelicalism. Dr. Hart's challenge was for modern day reformed churches to recover the biblical and historical treasure that exists within her Reformed and confessional heritage. This heritage includes, among other things, a rich liturgy, sacred music, a high view of the sacraments, the centrality of the reading and preaching of Scripture, and a high view of the ministry of the ordained leadership amidst the congregation. Rev. David Strain, minister of London City Presbyterian in London, England, and a good friend of Pastor Jon from Edinburgh days, preached a wonderful sermon on the Lord's Day morning from Galatians. Also, Dr. Hart taught the adult Sunday school class on various aspects of Reformed liturgy in worship. The entire weekend was a tremendous time of illuminating instruction and God-centered encouragement. The speaker for the 2006 Reformation Heritage Conference was the Rev. Iain H. Murray from Edinburgh, Scotland. Rev. Murray is a retired minister, prolific author, and co-founder of the Banner of Truth Trust. In front of a full sanctuary of Christians from many different churches and denominations, Rev. Murray delivered three wonderful lectures on the Scottish Reformation. The subjects were John Knox, Robert Bruce, and the seventeenth-century Scottish Covenanters. On the Lord’s Day Rev. Murray taught adult Sunday school on the life and ministry of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), one of the greatest 20th century preachers with whom Murray served for three years at Westminster Chapel in London. Rev. Murray then preached two powerful sermons in our morning and evening worship services on Genesis 3:15 and Romans 8:16. Our evening worship was a joint service with Berean Reformed Baptist Church from Powder Springs, GA. The weekend was full of meaningful Christian fellowship, Psalm and hymn singing, and Christian learning. We give thanks and praise to God for a glorious conference! 2007: RHC Dr. Carl Trueman presented three wonderful lectures on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation in Germany. In addition, he taught Sunday School on the topic of the importance of Church history. He also preached twice on the Lord's Day. Dr. Trueman was warmly received by our congregation and many are excited for his return in 2011. The fifth annual RHC was very well-attended, drawing people from 11 different States. Almost 300 people were in attendance. Dr. Michael Horton, Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary California, spoke on the subject of the Protestant Reformation and the Means of Grace. In his three lectures he emphasized that God has not only ordained the message of the gospel, but also the means or methods by which the message is to be communicated, namely, through Word and sacraments. Representatives from the White Horse Inn and Modern Reformation were also on site along with Steve Berlew from the Banner of Truth Trust publishing company. Dr. Horton also taught Sunday school and preached in our morning worship service on the Lord's Day. We thank God for another wonderful and encouraging conference in '08. 2009 RHC ... info coming soon! |
Grace Presbyterian Church
Douglasville, Georgia
