T4G’08 Day 3

This was the final day for the conference, and it turned out to be no less challenging than the prior two. John Piper and C.J. Mahaney were our final two speakers, and they did not disappoint.

John Piper’s topic was How the Supremacy of Christ Creates Radical Christian Sacrifice. For me, I had to catch myself a few times because slowly I would begin paying more attention to Piper’s particular style of preaching – which I rather enjoy – rather than the content. The question of what creates radical Christian sacrifice is answered very succinctly in selected verses from Hebrews chapters 10 to 13. And that answer is looking to our great reward. I know that some people disagree vehemently with that conclusion, but the Scriptures state it very clearly, with no need for further systematic study. It says what it says.

The part of Piper’s sermon that challenged me the most is from Hebrews 13:13.

Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.

It would be erroneous to say that Jesus is not meeting us in our churches. But it would also be erroneous to say He wants to only meet us in our churches. Every time we gather to worship He meets us and calls us to follow Him outside the camp. The camp is a place of safety. Outside the camp is a place of danger and shame and loneliness. To not follow Him would not only be to disobey Him, but also to miss the sweetest fellowship we can have with Him on this earth. The thing each of us needs to figure out for ourselves is, “Where is outside the camp for me?”

C.J. Mahaney gave the final sermon and it was probably the most encouraging sermon of the whole conference. Which really doesn’t surprise me since C.J. appears to be the person most blessed with encouragement of all the people who spoke. Love, humility and encouragement seem to exude from C.J. It was a blessing to have him numbered among the speakers at this conference. He spoke to us, primarily, about the cultivation of joy. The things that struck me the most were all related to gratefulness toward God. The most pointed statement made concerning gratefulness was that without consistent thankfulness, we will be tempted to complain. The sin of complaining is pervasive and actually contends with God for supremacy. When we complain, we presume to be more wise than God. In ministry, there is always the temptation to complain about this or that. Ministry is never absent of opportunities to murmur and grumble. If we are not thankful, those temptations may have us.

All in all, this conference is probably the single most inspiring conference I have ever attended. Not only was I encouraged, but I was challenged, I was touched, and I am ready. I don’t want to seem to idealistic here. I know that there is a difference in the experience at the conference and the experience of real life. As C.J. put it so well, “Church life is a carousel of victory and defeat.” All I’m saying is that I feel better equipped and prepared to ride the carousel. You can pray for us. Pray for Pastor Sean, Pastor Trevor, and myself as we work out and integrate the things we learned at the conference, first in our personal lives and families, and then in the church; not only for your benefit, but most importantly for the Glory of God in Jesus Christ.

Together For the Gospel Eve

It’s the night before the conference, and we made it safely to Louisville, KY. I’m looking forward to hearing John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, and Al Mohler speak, among others. I’m looking forward to the worship as well, being led by Bob Kauflin. If you want to know more about the conference, go to the website.

What I’m hoping to gain from this is simply new insight and deeper understanding of the power of the Gospel. I’ve been looking forward to this conference because it’s an inter-denominational effort, not just Southern Baptists, but also, Sovereign Grace churches, conservative Presbyterians, and other evangelical denominations. The diversity in the crowd will make the event unique. I will keep you posted as the week goes on. Pray for us (myself, Pastor Sean, and Pastor Trevor) as we attend that God would inspire us and do something cool in our hearts.