Benedictions – spoken blessings at the end of church services and gatherings – can be nuggets of gospel gold to cherish to as we part from each other for another week. Here Derek W. H. Thomas has selected benedictions spoken by his colleague and friend, Dale Ralph Davis, to encourage and inspire the reader. Best known for his Old Testament expositions, Davis knows the value of remembering and clinging to God’s promises. Dale Ralph Davis retired from his post as Minister in Residence at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina in Spring 2018, and was presented with this book to mark the occasion. Before coming to First Presbyterian Church he and his wife Barbara lived in Mississippi, Ralph having previously been pastor of Woodland Presbyterian Church, Hattiesburg, Mississippi and Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, as well as writing a number of popular books. ‘Benedictions are gospel words. They remind us at the end of the service that we receive the blessings of God’s covenant because Christ received its curses. After every service of worship, we conclude with a reminder that, as Christians, we live under the shade of the Almighty, taking refuge beneath His wings because, wonder of wonders, we are free from the condemnation of sin.’ – Derek W. H. Thomas ‘But as the final hymn comes to an end, there is one last word of gospel grace as he pronounces the benediction Ralph Davis is as much preaching God’s word to you now as he was in the sermon. He is not only praying for you; he is announcing to you all that is yours by faith in Christ. What a way to end the Lord’s Day and to begin the week.’ – Sinclair B. Ferguson
