Catalyst Day Three 2025

Simon Arscot

The first two days high standards were kept up on day three. Simon Arscot did well on the Lord's Supper, not straing too far in either direction on its importance. Christopher Ash was very good again on the psalms, this time on what Christ would have learned of evil and judgement. Jason Heliopoulos ended well with a reminder of the basics. It is not about you, minister, but about God and your people. Some nice illustration once again. The day began once again, however, with Sinclair Ferguson, who stands head and shoulders above us all with his vast knowledge and great spiritual acumen. His final subject was Christ Conqueror and High Priest. Just superb. Do check these messages out especially those by Dr Ferguson when they appear on YouTube soon on the IPC Catalyst channel. (If Simon looks rather youthful it's because I forgot to snap him this time and have used a pic from a previous year!).

Catalyst Day Two 2025

Ash

So more of the same on the Wednesday. Dr Ferguson was superb as he drew our attention to the founder of our faith (the archegos) and our worship leader. Well illustrated and theologically deep, it was a privilege to be there. The others were up to speed to - an excellent paper on the Sabbath from Simon Arscott, more good stuff on the Psalms from Christopher Ash (this time with a focus on the church) and then an encouraging last session from Jason Heliopoulos on the importnace of friendship, taking Paul and Calvin as exemplars. As ever, good to chat to people.Good to see the lollipops and cornettos available in the afternoon.

Catalyst Day One 2025

Heliopoulos

Ferguson

It is good to be at the Catalyst conference in Ealing with our Presbyterian friends once more. In this tenth yearthey have stuck with their tried and tested formula of four speakers across three days, beginning as ever with Sinclair Ferguson. He spoke on the person of Christ from Hebrews 2:5-9 making some excellent points about Hebrews and how the whole Bible undolds fom Genesis 3:15. We need to help our congregations see Jesus through "Emmaus Road preaching".

Simon Arscott was the second speaker of the morning, on Christ's presence in the sermon from Matthew 23:34 making goodd use of a book by Hugh Martin on the subject recently republished. (I couold have had a free copy if I had booked earlier). Scribes bind and loose from the text and that brings Christ near to the congregation.

In the afternoon it was good to hear Chritopher Ash on Christ in the psalms once again. Our final speaker, one new to me was Jason Heliopoulos on gratititude. Good day with over 300 present.