Category Archives: T4G

T4G Thursday

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The conference planners were well aware of the needs of pastors when they selected Piper and Mahaney to speak in the last two sessions of T4G. We have been greatly inspired and challenged and humbled. We need to “be done with lesser things” and make ample room in our lives for the great priority of preaching the cross and living cross-centered lives. We need to nourish our souls and find strength for our calling. Piper’s and Mahaney’s sermons were just what I needed.

I urge you to look online for the (free) recordings of all the T4G messages, and listen in to what we have been hearing. But save these two for last. If you only listen to a couple, listen to these two.

Session #7 — John PIPER
I’ve been a Christian nearly 30 years, and this session was one of the most gripping and powerful sermons I have heard in person. The Spirit of God moved through John Piper as a mighty wind, bringing the written Word of God to us, and calling us to be brighter and saltier even radical Christian ministers. Speaking primarily from 4 texts in the last chapters of Hebrews (10-11-12-13), he described what creates a radical Christian ministry. We are to be persuaded of the much greater value of the Treasure (Christ), and desire to be with Him, and suffer with/for Him “outside the camp” (Heb. 13:12-13). I cannot begin to tell you more of this heart-piercing message. I can tell you that I prize Christ (my “Ticket” and my “Treasure”) more than ever before! I am willing to work harder, simplify my life, and to suffer more for His sake than ever before — so help me God.

Session #8 — C.J. MAHANEY
Speaking from Philippians 1:3-7, Mahaney prepared us for our “reentry” into the hustle and bustle (the “carousel”) of ministry life. He claimed most pastors (even here) do not serve in their ministry with joy, as Paul did. Are we constantly joyful? Learn from Paul, writing from prison, how to keep your soul joyful and minister the gospel. First, practice GRATEFULNESS to God. Be thankful, and do not murmur (which is really a great sin, questioning the ways of God). Second, gain CONFIDENCE in the FAITHFULNESS of God, and be faithful yourself. As Charles Bridges said, It is faith that enlivens our work with perpetual cheerfulness. Third, develop and keep AFFECTIONS for others (cf: Phil. 1:7-8).

I am not Mahaney, or Piper, and I am certainly not Paul. But I am called to preach the same gospel. As Spurgeon said when thinking of some great preachers,

[Such men] might preach the gospel better than I can, but they cannot preach a better gospel!

Take courage and joy, my heart. Thank God for this conference. Amen

T4G Wednesday Lunch & PM Sessions

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When 5,000+ folks adjourn for the lunch hour it can seem like a new olympic event. There are a limited number of fast food restaurants (and the fancy ones are too expensive and slow). My strategy: let my friend Ron walk back to the hotel, while I jogged west a couple of blocks to an “out of the way” Quiznos sub shop. Right! The line overflowed the little shop when I got there! But, practicing my patience, 20 minutes later I had our two hot subs and was off to the hotel for lunch with Ron.

Session #5 — Dr R.C. SPROUL
I was 30 minutes early to hear Dr Sproul Wednesday afternoon. I’ve met him a couple of times over the years, and consider myself a student of his (albeit at a distance). He’s a ‘father in the faith’ to me and to so many. My eyes welled with tears to see the clear signs of age (and illness) upon him. He arrived in a wheelchair (due to troubles with vertigo), and spoke while sitting at the pulpit on a bar stool. But none of this hindered his passion for the Word or for his task!

His topic was: The Curse Motif of the Atonement. You cannot grasp of the work of the cross without consideration of the wrath it displays against sin. “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree” the Bible says [Gal. 3:13]. Jesus, the Son of God, sinless Lord of heaven, hung on a tree! Dr Sproul opened texts from the OT in order to explain this passage in Galatians 3, and the context of God’s blessing and curse. RC preached a powerful message, not only as a serious theologian, but as the lover of God’s glory and the souls of men under the curse. I was much moved, and blessed.

A wonderful panel discussion followed, with great questions and simple (but profound) answers shared. How I long for such doctrine-loving camaraderie with other pastors in my own area!

Session #6 — Dr. Albert MOHLER
And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood? is a line from the great hymn by Wesley, which Dr Mohler quoted at the outset of his address. The cross ought always raise our hearts and minds in endless wonder — how is it that we should gain life by the death of Christ? Specifically his address on the doctrine of the atonement (on “penal substitution”) focused on why men hate this doctrine so much. In the midst of this far reaching academic message much was learned, and the conclusion seemed to hinge on the difference between human forgiveness and that of God — Who cannot simply forgive men (and condone their sin), but must maintain His justice and punish every sin.

I am so glad that Jesus died in my place, satisfying the Law’s demands, brining me peace.