Hugh D. Brown Lectures

Monday, 13th February 2023
Image: hugh-d-brown-lectures

H.D. Brown Lectures

by Tom Kanwischer

On 19th January, 2023, Dr Jamieson gave two insightful, memorable, and Christ exalting lectures on the letter to the Hebrews. The Irish Baptist College and guests were “certainly not short-changed,” in the words of Peter Firth, but provided with a thorough exhibit of Jesus Christ in study of Hebrews. The first of Dr Jamieson’s lectures was on the person and work of Christ; the second was on how Hebrews teaches pastors to tend their flocks. In the former, he argued that this letter intends to answer the question, “Is it worth being a Christian?” Hebrews, he posited, is a thoroughly theological response to an intensely practical situation. The Christian audience of Hebrews, not unlike many in the church of today, experienced weariness and temptation to walk away from Christ amidst ostracism, persecution, and threats of such. To many Jewish Christians under this kind of pressure, a return to the legal system of the Old Covenant, which was not nearly as offensive to the surrounding community, may have seemed appealing. It was in light of this need that the writer was encouraging the Hebrew Christians to persevere. The theology of Hebrews, argues Dr Jamieson, depends on access to God. We were led through various portions of the text to see that the economy of salvation—that is, the outworking of God’s plan of salvation in the world through Jesus—is richly displayed in this epistle. Every seamless aspect of Christ’s work—from His divine nature and incarnation, to His sinless suffering and death, to the resurrection and ascension to heaven, to His enthronement at God’s right hand and ongoing intercession—serves God’s purpose to reconcile His creation to Himself. In so doing, Christ has obtained for Christians direct access to God.

The second of the lectures was filled with practical and helpful encouragement for pastors. Making use of the theology and, particularly, the Christology derived from Hebrews, Dr Jamieson reminded pastors to serve God’s people in light of the great truths of our Lord’s saving mission. The first word of advice, and probably the most useful to me, was in answer to the original question of Hebrews. What makes following Christ worthwhile is who Christ is, what he has done for us, and what he alone can give us. Hebrews reminds discouraged and weary Christians to hold fast to their Christ. Christians who have experienced the opposition of the world and its Prince, and who are tempted to give in and return to our former ways of life, can find comfort and assurance in Christ’s salvation. Our Saviour Himself has gone before us as our forerunner (2:10), pioneer (6:19), and perfecter (12:2). In a host of other exhortations to pastors and those in training, Dr Jamieson encouraged us, when preaching, to paint the full picture of Christ’s saving mission, not leaving out a single benefit thereof. He also reminded us to balance admonition with assurance, and not to truncate warning of judgment and condemnation in our preaching the gospel. Finally, he exhorted us to remind fellow believers that to suffer is not to sin. Christ, who Himself suffered, is almighty, and he is perfectly compassionate to us. He can sympathise with our sufferings and knows our needs; He is able to sustain us in our suffering.

We are grateful to Dr Jamieson for his hard work which helps us to appreciate more fully the message of the letter to the Hebrews. If you are interested in reading more, check out his book: “The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in the Epistle to the Hebrews.”

    Blog Archive

Let’s Read Irish Baptist College Conference (Online) From Intern to Undergraduate (Emily Middleton) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Reason for Redemption Baptists and Revival in the Long 18th Century Second Year Placements From Intern to Undergraduate (Josh Brown) Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The What and Why of Holiness Final Year During A Pandemic 2nd Year Placement Experience Friends of the College 2021 Update The Art of Reading More Books Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — The Real Possibility of Holiness A Basic Easter Fact The Servant King Podcast Let's Read: The Hole in our Holiness — You Are Holy Third Year Reflection Gospel Guardians: Protecting the Purity of the Gospel for Future Generations Graduation 2021 Book Review: Succeeding at Seminary Let's Read: The Hole in Our Holiness — A Work in Progress Why the Irish Baptist College is Vital to the Health of the Association A Good News Story: The Ministry Partnership Scheme Why Study the Biblical Languages? Profit in Toil: A Short Message on A Level Results Day Let's Read: Small Preaching Recognition Service Report 2021 Sin Forgiven: Nourishment for Life and Joy for Living Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Character of the Preacher Commencement Service Report Placement Friends of the College Update God Rejoices over His People: A Meditation on Zephaniah 3:17 Let’s Read: Small Preaching—Constructing the Sermon Evangelism Teams: Newcastle and Brannockstown Evangelism Teams: Stonepark and North Belfast Christian Fellowship First Year Reflections (Reuben and Andrew) Some New Books Let’s Read: Small Preaching—The Craft of Preaching Let's Read: Small Preaching—What is God Saying? A Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘The coming of the light’ Christmas Reflection on John 1 - ‘Life, Light & Glory’
Time to read Genesis...again Friends of the College - January 2020 Friends of the College - January 2020 Finances Tribute to Marion Craig The Resilient Pastor: Surviving & Thriving in Ministry Just a Blow-in? What is new on the shelves at IBC? Friends of the College - February 2020 Four Reasons to Study Theology Academically From Spain to Moira Testimonial Financial Update Friends of the College – March 2020 Irish Baptist Historical Society: The Mayflower Thomas Patient: the Father of the Irish Baptist Church Testimonials The Pastors’ Conference: An Encouraging Privilege Testimonials (part-time studies) In the worst of times: COVID-19 and the Book of Ruth Friends of the College - April 2020 The Long Wait: Victory Delayed Testimonials - Preparation for Ministry and Evening Classes The Leadership Podcast Testimonials - Ladies Study Fellowship The Leadership Podcast (part 2) Friends of the College - May 2020 Reflections from the Student Chairman Why do we teach the Old Testament? Reflections on first year at IBC Friends of the College - June 2020 Why do we teach Romans? IBC Placement Is Church History a Thing of the Past? Friends of the College - July 2020 Friends of the College – August 2020 Friends of the College September 2020 Recognition and Graduation Service Introducing the Irish Baptist College’s New Logo Commencement Service Friends of the College - October 2020 Filled with the Spirit: Soundings in Luke’s Theology of the Holy Spirit The Famous Five: The Abiding Relevance of the Solas of the Reformation Friends of the College - November 2020 The Importance of Theological Training in Fulfilling the Great Commission First Year Reflections — Tim Houston Singing: The Place of Theology in Corporate Worship New Library Books Friends of the College – Unite to Pray – December Christmas Reflections
Agree and Close notice.

By continuing on our website you agree with our Privacy Policy and to the use of cookies by third party plugins. Find out more here