Break for Bible Conference
BJU takes a week from classes; faculty recall memorable sermons
Every spring since 1928, BJU has held Bible Conference, a week that faculty, staff and students can devote to hearing the Bible preached. A longstanding tradition, Bible Conference provides memories as well as expectations. This year’s Bible Conference will be held March 22 through March 27.
Several faculty members shared their memories of influential Bible Conference sermons. Dr. Bruce Rose remembered a sermon by Dr. Rod Bell on Philippians 3:10 about knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection.
The most influential sermon for Dr. Dan Olinger was one preached by Dr. Charles Smith. The sermon was a biographical message on the prophet Balaam. The application was that anyone who knows the will of God and does not do it is crazy, according to II Peter 2:16. Though it was nearly 30 years ago, Dr. Olinger said this sermon has stuck with him. Dr. Olinger also said, “I always loved to hear Dr. Ian Paisley.”
Dr. Ted Miller specifically recalled a sermon by Dr. Paisley on Christ being the wisdom of God from I Cor. 1:24. “I always remember how Paisley prayed before he began preaching,” Dr. Miller said. Every time before he preaches, Dr. Paisley prays, “I take the promised Holy Ghost; the Blessed Power of Pentecost to fill me to the uttermost, I take. Thank God He undertakes for me. And the people of God said, ‘Amen!’”
Dr. Don Jacobs also enjoyed hearing Dr. Paisley speak. “His powerful preaching always convicted me,” he said.
Dr. Paisley last spoke in 2006 and is scheduled to speak at this year’s conference. Although scheduled to speak in 2007 and 2008, his political responsibilities as First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party prevented him from attending.
This year’s speaker schedule includes Dr. Bob Jones III, chancellor of BJU; Dr. John Hartog III of Faith Baptist College & Theological Seminary in Ankeny, Iowa; Dr. John Lewis of Faith Baptist Church in Davison, Mich.; Dr. Douglas McLachlan and Dr. Les Ollila of Northland Baptist Bible College in Dunbar, Wis.; Dr. Ian Paisley of Martyrs Memorial Free Presbyterian Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland; Dr. Clarence Sexton of Temple Baptist Church in Powell, Tenn.; Dr. Bob Shelton, an evangelist; and Dr. Royce Short, dean of the School of Religion at BJU.
Dr. Bob will preach the opening message on Sunday morning, and Dr. Paisley will preach the final message on Friday evening. There will be a morning, afternoon and evening service every day except Thursday, when there will not be an afternoon service.
At one time, Bible Conference went from Sunday through Saturday with four services each day as well as a morning prayer meeting. Dr. Tammie Jacobs said the positive thing about this schedule was she was able to hear more speakers. But she said by the week’s end, everyone was worn out.
The offering for Bible Conference also brought back many memories for the faculty. Some faculty members recalled a time when the ushers’ girlfriends took the offering. Dr. Don Jacobs remembered when the ushers lowered Dr. Bob Jr.’s podium after he criticized the ushers for being too slow. Many students will remember what happened when Dr. Stephen Jones criticized the ushers for the same thing, and they came running down the aisle in sneakers.
Offerings have provided campus with renovations, improvements and new buildings throughout the years. This year’s offering is going toward the completion of the Rodeheaver project.
Students expressed anticipation for Bible Conference. Junior Caitlyn Vick said, “I’m looking forward to the different things the Lord is going to teach me.”
Sophomore Timothy Green looks forward to the change of pace. He is excited that Bible Conference will lift some school pressures and allow him to focus solely on the messages.
Junior Rachel Sheys said, “It’s always not as relaxing as I anticipate, but it’s a good change of pace.”
