The Will of God in the 21st Century

Report on three conferences held in Glasgow, Nottingham and Essex in April & May 2009
by Sylvia Penny

	M Penny, WM Henry and C Richmond

We have just finished our spring season of conferences on the subject of The Will of God in the 21st Century.  The first was in Glasgow and the second in Nottingham, both held in April 2009, and the last one in Billericay, Essex, in May 2009.  Altogether we had over sixty people who attended, and a number of interesting questions and discussions were engendered by this subject at each of the venues.

The approach to the subject was very methodical, giving a detailed background to the will of God throughout the Bible, and showing how this has changed depending on the time and the people God has been dealing with.  We had a (very) quick overview of the whole Bible, and so we could see where we, in the 21st century, fitted in to the overall plan of God, and what His will is for us today.  Not only was the subject covered on an individual and personal level, but it was also considered on a corporate level – trying to answer the question of what God would like us, as a body of Christians, to do in today’s very secular society.

The Format
Each conference was divided into three teaching sessions, with two breaks in between, giving time for discussion and fellowship, and a chance to look at the book table with many of the Open Bible Trust publications available for purchase.   Refreshments were also provided in each break, including home-made cakes and sandwiches, tea and coffee, so keeping us going throughout the afternoon!

Willie Henry and Mike Penny led the conferences in Glasgow and Nottingham, and then Cliff Richmond and Mike Penny led the last conference in Billericay. Each session was enhanced by a power-point presentation, and pre-printed notes, giving details of all the main points and the relevant Scriptures.

The People

At each conference some people attended for the first time, while others returned, having enjoyed the previous ones that have been held in the same areas.  The numbers have been large enough to have some interesting discussions, but small enough for everyone to feel a part of the group and have an opportunity to get to know some of the  others.

We hope, as we hold more conferences in different areas of the country, that more of our readers will have an  opportunity to meet one another, and find out more about the work and activities of the Open Bible Trust. If you would like a conference in your church, please  write and let us know, or email admin@obt.org.uk or phone 01491-671357.