Family Bible Conference
Full Joy Family Bible Conference 2024
Having
Day 2 Dr. Charles Barrett was the morning
By Susan Tanner
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11).
speaker. He grew up in Greenville, SC, and served as the interim President and Professor of Theology at Geneva Reformed Seminary before going to Wayside Presbyterian Church in TN. He has previously served as the High School Director at Family Bible Conference for many years.
His lesson began with what happened be-
fore the upper room. “John 12 discusses how John prepares the way,” Barrett said. “God appointed the hour before that time. Every- thing is moving towards this hour. The whole context is to encourage, shepherd, and pre- pare His disciples.”
“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:23). “John’s whole purpose is written. Jesus is the Christ and in knowing this, and believing in Him, you may have eternal life,” Barrett closed. The rest of the morning and afternoon of-
Day 1
Reverend Philip Bunch, Director of the Family Bible Conference, welcomed 350 at- tendees. Bunch is the new Director and he acknowledged the planning team for doing such a great job. Dr. Derek Thomas was the evening speak-
er. He is a native of Wales and recently retired as the Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC. Reading from Ro- mans 8:13-17, Thomas mentioned, “the con- ference theme is on joy however, there is no joy in verse 13.” you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13).
“Paul is talking to believers, we are for- given sinners, but still sinners,” Thomas said. “Do we want sin or Jesus? We need to kill sin and we can kill sin with the help of Jesus Christ.” - ing, “In union with Christ, there is hope. May God help us to be more and more like Jesus. An ice cream social was held at the Nibble Nook following worship giving attendees a great time to fellowship.
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fered a variety of seminars including “The Room Where it Happened” led by Emily Woodard, Women’s Ministries Spiritual Life; Applied Discipleship led by Rev. Todd Mato- cha, pastor of Greenville ARP Church; “How to Sing in Private & Family Worship” led by Rev. Philip Bunch, pastor of Fayetteville ARP Church. The Middle School Seminars were led by Hamilton Patrick, Greenville ARP Church, and the High School was led by Roddey Smith, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC.
Carnival games, activities, and food were
offered for all ages including cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones. The rains came in before the evening ses- sion and many were dodging puddles to get to the Chapel. Dr. Derek Thomas read Ro- mans 8:14, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
“How does the Spirit lead you to holi- ness?” Thomas asked. “He leads us through His Word. We should be in the Word of God more and more.” “We are adopted into the House of God,” Thomas said. “We may have many tribulations but on the other side our inheri- tance awaits.”
The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Day 3
Dr. Charles Barrett began the day with John 16 saying, “This chapter talks about troubled hearts, anxiety, fear, sadness, and confusion. He points us to trust in God and Him. Whatever comes our way, He says to believe in me.”
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me” (John 14:1).
joy. It makes the joy of the resurrection so much sweeter. We can have that joy now even in the midst of sorrow. Christ controls our troubled hearts,” Barrett said. The morning session was followed by
more seminar options including: “A House in Order” with Rev. Ken Lotze and “Hope Dur- ing Upheaval” with Rev. Alex Pettett. The Silver Tea was held in Synodical Hall.
given in donations for the upkeep of the building. There was lots of good fellowship all around. Thank you to Mississippi Valley Presbyterial for the beautiful and scrump- tious refreshments. We are looking forward to seeing all of you next year,” Martha McK- enzie, President of Women’s Ministries said. Dr. Derek Thomas read Romans 8:18-25.
“We live in a fallen world,” Thomas said. “And not only the creation, but we our-
- it, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bod- ies” (Romans 8:23). to come,” Thomas said. “We are groaning inwardly when we pass through trials. We know this world is not our home. The new heavens is what God has in store for us.” The evening session was followed by Bluegrass music, s’mores, and a time of fel- lowship at the Amphitheater.
“I love the Family Bible Confer- ence! It is such a special time of renewal and continuance of our growth. I wouldn’t want to miss it.”
Ernie Cooper, Bartow ARP Church, FL
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