Whitefield Graduation Service 2015

How appropriate is the Scripture text on the wall that served as a solemn backdrop for the Whitefield College of the Bible's GRADUATION SERVICE tonight!

Four students graduated on the completion of their studies: Whitefield students Alana Stewart and Christina Logan, and theological students Kyle Graham and Paul Hanna. We pray that those who have completed the College courses will be further guided by the Lord into realms of Christian service where they will be a blessing to many. May He also empower each member of the current student body, especially those who have commenced College today, to become "burning and shining lights" for Him.

But to come back to the 'writing on the wall.'

The venue for the Graduation Service was Calvary Free Presbyterian Church, Magherafelt. The Scripture text is 1 Corinthians 9:16: "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!"

In applying the charge in these lines to Gospel preachers, C. H. Spurgeon urged:

"Oh, minister of the gospel! stand for one moment and bethink thyself of thy poor fellow creatures! See them like a stream, rushing to eternity – ten thousand to their endless home each solemn moment fly! See the termination of that stream, that tremendous cataract which dashes streams of souls into the pit! Oh, minister, bethink thyself that men are being damned each hour by thousands, and that each time thy pulse beats another soul lifts up its eyes in hell, being in torments; bethink thyself how men are speeding on their way to destruction, how 'the love of many waxeth cold' and 'iniquity doth abound.' I say, is there not a necessity laid upon thee? Is it not woe unto thee if thou preachest not the gospel?"

Our country needs ministers of this calibre – men who understand what damnation is, and who determine to position themselves between the surging stream of perishing souls and the torments of hell.