Once again. Dr. John Piper.
What can I say?
The Lord has gifted some of his children with a double portion. Dr. Piper is, up to this point, a clear example of it. He, once again, hit it outside of the park, or the camp, I should say.
"Let us go outside the camp and bear the reproach of Christ" is still echoing in my head.
Who wouldn't want that? He asks. Piper walked us through 6 passages in the book of Hebrews,showing us how the supremacy of Christ creates radical Christian sacrifice. He, with a God glorifying, Holy Spirit annointed smile on his face, persuaded us all about the joy of suffering for Christ. The unbreakable satisfaction of suffering with Him. It is a gift to us that Dr Piper's preaching is permeated by both a zeal for the glory of God and a solid theology of suffering.If you have gone through any kind of real suffering, you know how sweet the fellowship of the Lamb can be in those moments. To have a sound theology of suffering gives you hope through all the tears in life. It assures you that God will be glorified causing you to persevere looking to the reward, his Son who is greater than any turbulence you can go through. It assures you that not a hair of your head will perish. Contrast that with the stuff the world has to offer and I'm sure it won't be long before a holy smile break out and you too will ask together with Piper: Who wouldn't want that?
God bless as you go outside the camp and bear His reproach.
Listen to it, listen to it, listen to it, listen to it, listen, listen, listen,listen!
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
T4G '08: Mark Dever
The content of Mark Dever's message is very timely.
The distinction between all Christian things and the gospel is very much needed in our days.
He blessed us by pointing out that there are many, many good things that, we as Christians, could (maybe even should) be involved in, but they are not the gospel.
While the Pro Life issue is a righteous cause, it is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is possible to believe the person and work of Christ, be saved and be utterly confused about abortion.
There are many other examples I could use but what I was really glad about, was the debunking of the political temptation. I have to confess, the fact that, in our christian culture today, we have to theologically accept everybody, from Benny Hinn to RC Sproul and everything in between, as Christians and dare not to criticize anyone lest you'd be judgemental but at the same time, heaven forbid you are a democrat (or a republican for that matter) is a tool for my sanctification in the hands of the Lord.
Dever's message, inevitably leads us to conclude that we can differ and debate and be charitable regarding many matters, but when it comes to the Gospel, there is nothing negotiable.
I wish more christian leaders would make this distinction and impact our American evangelicalism.
I pray that, as our pastors focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ, all other things fall on their right places in our list of priorities.
Can't wait for 2010.
The distinction between all Christian things and the gospel is very much needed in our days.
He blessed us by pointing out that there are many, many good things that, we as Christians, could (maybe even should) be involved in, but they are not the gospel.
While the Pro Life issue is a righteous cause, it is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is possible to believe the person and work of Christ, be saved and be utterly confused about abortion.
There are many other examples I could use but what I was really glad about, was the debunking of the political temptation. I have to confess, the fact that, in our christian culture today, we have to theologically accept everybody, from Benny Hinn to RC Sproul and everything in between, as Christians and dare not to criticize anyone lest you'd be judgemental but at the same time, heaven forbid you are a democrat (or a republican for that matter) is a tool for my sanctification in the hands of the Lord.
Dever's message, inevitably leads us to conclude that we can differ and debate and be charitable regarding many matters, but when it comes to the Gospel, there is nothing negotiable.
I wish more christian leaders would make this distinction and impact our American evangelicalism.
I pray that, as our pastors focus on the gospel of Jesus Christ, all other things fall on their right places in our list of priorities.
Can't wait for 2010.
T4G '08: Ligon Duncan
Here is what I posted at http://www.challies.com/ (An almost daily destination for me)
"Duncan preached a great message. It was beautiful to see how Piper’s 2006 message affected him. His manner communicated his message just as well as his words. I was deeply impacted."
In my opinion, Duncan presented a very strong defense of Doctrine and Systematic Theology in the pastoral ministry and not only that but in the living out of the christian life as well. By arguing, quite powerfully, that Doctrine is for marriage, he encouraged pastors to devote themselves to the preaching of doctrine unashamedly because those who hear it, cannot help but be encouraged to love their wives better. By saying that doctrine is for assurance he definitely impacted the personal lives of all kinds of Christians, including pastors. Sinners like me, rejoiced as they were reminded that their salvation doesn't rest ultimately on them but in the Sovereign, gracious Election of God.
It was also very helpful to hear in detail how those who criticize the practice of Systematic Theology, do it without even knowing it. When a church member after the sermon asks you "what does the Bible say about angels?", your answer is nothing short of Systematic Theology. He showed that the apostle Paul and Jesus both employed Systematic Theology in their interaction with people.
I am deeply grateful for that sermon. It impacted my life as a sinner being saved, bringing me conviction and comfort. It made me rejoice to know that many of those attending the conference are possibly still trapped or recovering from the doctrine that doctrine is evil (it is meant to be oxymoronic) and The Holy Spirit through Duncan was breaking chains.
SDG
"Duncan preached a great message. It was beautiful to see how Piper’s 2006 message affected him. His manner communicated his message just as well as his words. I was deeply impacted."
In my opinion, Duncan presented a very strong defense of Doctrine and Systematic Theology in the pastoral ministry and not only that but in the living out of the christian life as well. By arguing, quite powerfully, that Doctrine is for marriage, he encouraged pastors to devote themselves to the preaching of doctrine unashamedly because those who hear it, cannot help but be encouraged to love their wives better. By saying that doctrine is for assurance he definitely impacted the personal lives of all kinds of Christians, including pastors. Sinners like me, rejoiced as they were reminded that their salvation doesn't rest ultimately on them but in the Sovereign, gracious Election of God.
It was also very helpful to hear in detail how those who criticize the practice of Systematic Theology, do it without even knowing it. When a church member after the sermon asks you "what does the Bible say about angels?", your answer is nothing short of Systematic Theology. He showed that the apostle Paul and Jesus both employed Systematic Theology in their interaction with people.
I am deeply grateful for that sermon. It impacted my life as a sinner being saved, bringing me conviction and comfort. It made me rejoice to know that many of those attending the conference are possibly still trapped or recovering from the doctrine that doctrine is evil (it is meant to be oxymoronic) and The Holy Spirit through Duncan was breaking chains.
SDG
T4G '08: Kindness of the locals.
It was absolutely fantastic!
The Lord was gracious enough to cause us to arrive a day earlier so we could recover from a very uncomfortable flight from L.A to Cincinatti. Check in time at our hotel was 3pm but they were very kind and allowed us to go in earlier. Actually, this is worth a remark. The people in Louisville are very hospitable. Everybody we crossed paths with, showed their kindness to us in some way. Cab drivers, bus driver, waiters, "Information Brett" (who started a conversation with us out of thin air, telling us where the strip club was.) front desk persons and even a couple of doctors my friend unfortunately had to see. Might I add that most of them, including "Information Brett", patiently listened to us as we explained to them their need for a savior and who that Savior was.
On behalf of my crew, I want to say thank you to Louisville.
We love y'all.
See you in 2010.
The Lord was gracious enough to cause us to arrive a day earlier so we could recover from a very uncomfortable flight from L.A to Cincinatti. Check in time at our hotel was 3pm but they were very kind and allowed us to go in earlier. Actually, this is worth a remark. The people in Louisville are very hospitable. Everybody we crossed paths with, showed their kindness to us in some way. Cab drivers, bus driver, waiters, "Information Brett" (who started a conversation with us out of thin air, telling us where the strip club was.) front desk persons and even a couple of doctors my friend unfortunately had to see. Might I add that most of them, including "Information Brett", patiently listened to us as we explained to them their need for a savior and who that Savior was.
On behalf of my crew, I want to say thank you to Louisville.
We love y'all.
See you in 2010.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Great quotes
I am one of those that gets really impacted by the ability some people have to make witty, inteligent comments or to state things in a concise, memorable way. I'm going to post a few now, but this is a post that I plan to keep coming back to and adding every great quote I come across. Here is a few of my favorites:
"Christianity: A life of painful joy" (sermon title)
Pastor Joe Lamay
"We are in the business of feeding sheep, not entertaining goats."
Charles H. Spurgeon
"Loves Thee too little he who loves anything together with Thee that he loves not for Thy sake."
Augustine.
"I am too busy NOT TO pray."
Martin Luther
"Bad preaching gets applause. Good preaching gets questions." (Sermon Title) (This is the statement that prompted me to post this. I, as of now, haven't heard the sermon though.)
Pastor Tim Conway
"Soft preaching produces hard people, hard preaching produces soft people."
John MacArthur, T4G '08. The sinner: Neither willing nor able.
Till the next quote.
"Christianity: A life of painful joy" (sermon title)
Pastor Joe Lamay
"We are in the business of feeding sheep, not entertaining goats."
Charles H. Spurgeon
"Loves Thee too little he who loves anything together with Thee that he loves not for Thy sake."
Augustine.
"I am too busy NOT TO pray."
Martin Luther
"Bad preaching gets applause. Good preaching gets questions." (Sermon Title) (This is the statement that prompted me to post this. I, as of now, haven't heard the sermon though.)
Pastor Tim Conway
"Soft preaching produces hard people, hard preaching produces soft people."
John MacArthur, T4G '08. The sinner: Neither willing nor able.
Till the next quote.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
TOGETHER FOR THE GOSPEL CONFERENCE.
Hi.
I just wanted to let y'all know that I cannot wait to go to this conference. We are just a few days away and there is great antecipation. I was fortunate enough to go in 2006 and right away I decided that if the Lord allowed me, I would come back. The time has arrived ! We all have our plane tickets, hotel reservation and the registration has already been paid and confirmed. if you're not familiar with the conference, go here. if you are, you know why I'm feeling this way.
Here is what I posted at a "John Piper" online community right after the conference in 2006. Hope you enjoy
"Conference was absolutely awesome. It was great to be encouraged in many ways by a band of brothers that stand together for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The fellowship was great. The preaching was superb. I tell you, THE THUNDER FELL... Hearing the Word of God preached to you by Sproul in the afternoon and Piper in the evening is quite an experience. Hear the sound of almost 3.000 men singing "A Mighty Fortress" from the top of their lungs brought me to tears. The glory of God was displayed all around. I came back very encouraged. The Church of God WILL prevail! The Lord reigns. Let the earth rejoice."
SOLI DEO GLORIA.
Hope to see you there.
I just wanted to let y'all know that I cannot wait to go to this conference. We are just a few days away and there is great antecipation. I was fortunate enough to go in 2006 and right away I decided that if the Lord allowed me, I would come back. The time has arrived ! We all have our plane tickets, hotel reservation and the registration has already been paid and confirmed. if you're not familiar with the conference, go here. if you are, you know why I'm feeling this way.
Here is what I posted at a "John Piper" online community right after the conference in 2006. Hope you enjoy
"Conference was absolutely awesome. It was great to be encouraged in many ways by a band of brothers that stand together for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The fellowship was great. The preaching was superb. I tell you, THE THUNDER FELL... Hearing the Word of God preached to you by Sproul in the afternoon and Piper in the evening is quite an experience. Hear the sound of almost 3.000 men singing "A Mighty Fortress" from the top of their lungs brought me to tears. The glory of God was displayed all around. I came back very encouraged. The Church of God WILL prevail! The Lord reigns. Let the earth rejoice."
SOLI DEO GLORIA.
Hope to see you there.
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