There are so many reflections I have on T4G, I really don’t know where to begin. So, in no order of importance, here are some reflections/info:
- I really enjoyed things better having Elders from my church with me. When I attended 2 years ago, I went by myself and hung out with friends, which was very cool, but frustrating in driving home application. Time spent with the Elders made this conference all the more sweeter.
- Session 1 from Lig reminded me of the importance of systematic theology and the central role it must play in my life and in my church
- Session 2 from Thabiti pointed our leadership to the racial issue that exists and how we need to be wiser in pointing our people to love others.
- Session 3 was vintage MacArthur with clear teaching on depravity.
- Session 4 enouraged me to strive for clarity with the Gospel (preached by Dever).
- Session 5 was one of the best sermons I’ve heard from R.C., pointing us to the OT idea of curse and how Christ became a curse for us.
- Session 6 from Mohler said, “The Gospel has been under attack and will continue to be, so be vigilant.”
- Session 7 from Piper exhorted us to live the Christian life in a radical way and thus shine and salt the earth (by embracing suffering).
- Session 8 from C.J. prepped us for the return home by pointing us to applications in fighting for joy in ministry.
- It was great to see so many old friends, too. Friends I haven’t seen since seminary, brothers who were a part of my wedding and fellow “marching partners in the campaign to advance the Gospel.”
- I am so grateful to Crestview for allowing me to have the privilege of attending.
- I am so honored that my wife (who is roughly 7 1/2 months pregnant) would joyfully serve our family and take care of Andrew and encourage me all week. Thank you love for allowing me to have a great week, you continue to express grace to me.
- I am thankful for the Elders here to correct, exhort, rebuke and encourage when needed.
- I am thankful to God, ultimately, for calling me to minister for His glory. Lord, I don’t deserve this expression of mercy. Help me honor You all my days.
- Almost forgot (which is amazing with my bibliophilic tendencies) to mention the books we got: new books from Packer, Carson, Kauflin; an ESV; books on the atonement, biography from Thabiti, summary of T4G 06, Exploring Christianity, Dever’s book on evangelism, Mohler’s latest, Sproul’s book on the atmonement, updated Gospel According to Jesus from MacArthur, Piper on Justification, a book commenting on the Emergent church and David Wells latest. Whew, what incredible offerings. I also bought some books, so have a bag just of books. What a kind God we have.
Besides all this, though, I really am anxious to return to Hutchinson and to the church I love. We have an exciting Lord’s Day ahead of us, basking in the glory of Christ’s work for us on the cross. That is where I long to be.