Ladies Book Club on the Art Wall

 My Ladies Classics Book Club made it on the art project wall that Cindy Visser arranges at church.  For the Lent season Cindy decided to photograph the different ministry groups at church and ask the members what they are learning about Jesus in their particular group.  Then she hung up a photo of each group with the responses surrounding it.  Cool idea and great job Cindy!

Communion Ministry

Matt and I are in charge of the Sunday morning communion ministry at our church which means we set it up and tare it down.  Since we have taken it over we have been pleased to make some improvements to the system.  We upgraded the wine to Port and finally after a few years of offering to make the communion bread (instead of using matza crackers) Pastor Phil said yes.  Palm Sunday was our first service with real bread followed by Maundy Thursday.  It is an honor to make the bread for the most important meal a Christian consumes!   

Blessing of the Vines

Our very good friend Phil happens to be the pastor of our church so we asked him if he and his family would come to dinner this week in the vineyard and do the blessing of the vines for us. Now we are not Roman Catholic or superstitious or even real wine growers for that matter so this may sound kind of hokey and you're probably wondering what is this all about.  Well, we have designed our backyard to be a beautiful and inviting place for fellowship and ministry.  This is the area we use for gathering over food, books, wine, cigars, discussion and whatever else God may give us to gather over in the future.  So Phil did pray a blessing on the vineyard but mostly for the fruit of all that goes on in this special place. It was actually one of the most beautiful prayers I have ever heard Phil pray and it filled my heart with great joy.   And then we had a very nice meal together of garlic flat bread, prime rib, baked potatoes and asparagus, all made in the brick oven. We also shared our very favorite wine (Souverain Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007) with the Kruis family since it was such a special occasion with special friends.  May God continue to bless the vineyard and our lives!

Matt's Class

 

Matt is teaching his first adult education class at church right now on one of the greatest classics of all time, Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.  The class is 13 weeks long. He has spent hours and hours preparing for the class and is doing such an amazing job teaching it.  It is clear to see that God has gifted him in this area.  I am very proud of him.  Sandi and Arianna have been coming every week.  I wish I was able to record the classes and share them with my family in Minnesota.

Ligonier Ministries National Conference 2014

We are back from yet another Ligonier National Conference, my 10th!  I love the conference so much and was so sad when it was over this year.  The conference lectures have just been posted on Ligonier.org for free streaming for a  couple of weeks.  They are all worth listening to but my favorites this year were:

The World the Flesh and the Devil by Voddie Bacham 

Do Not Love the World by Robert Godfrey.

The Q & A sessions were also very good and at times quite lively!  In the first Q&A session RC answered the question I submitted having to do with the view many of my libertarian Christian friends hold, namely that government should not be involved in marriage.  RC had a very strong opinion on this matter.  You can here this question asked and answered at 14:13 minutes into the first Q&A session.

The bookstore was filled with wonderful books again this year and here is what we bought.

The Conference Draws Nigh!

 

It's that time of year again, for the Ligonier Ministries National Conference- yay!

This will be my 10th year going- God is so good!!  Here is this year's speaking schedule- can't wait!

Distinguishing Law and Gospel

     Principles for living, practical advice, secrets of victorious living, calls to discipleship, and instruction all fall under the catergory of law, whether they are offered sternly or gently, whether they are God's commands or our own.  The point is not to jettison these words, but (a) to make sure they are God's words rather than our own, and (b) to recognize that even when they are God's, they are different from God's word of gospel; the good news that although we have not done any of the things we said we would do, Christ has been made our "righteousness, holiness and redemption" (1 Cor. 1:30). The law tells us what God expects of us; the gospel tells us what God has done for us.
    So law and gospel are not inheretly opposed, but when it comes to how we are saved, these two principles could not be more antithetical. And since our faith at every moment is threatened by our natural tendency to be distracted from its object- Christ- we need the gospel placarded before us not just at the beginning but throughout the Chrsitian life. The gospel is for Christians too.  We need to be evangelized every week. It is not by following Christ's example but by actually ebing inserted into Christ, clothed with Crsit, united to Christ- as the Spirit creates faith through the gospel- that we are not only justified but sanctified as well.
     -Michael Horton, Christless Christianity (pg. 124-125) 

Member!

A few weekends ago a very special event occured.  Matt became a member of Rincon Mountain PCA.  In this picture he is being introduced to the congregation, taking his membership vows and being received into fellowship.  As Pastor Phil went down the line to each person it was so sweet to see him stop at Matt and give him a big ol' bear hug.  Precious times!

Horton book "Where in the World is the Church?"

Michael Horton is my favorite writer and thinker.  I was first introduced to him in the magazine called  Modern Reformation, which he is the editor of and a main contributor to.  I have a few of his books.  This one, "Where in the World is the Church?" is the first one I am reading.  It is subtitled "a Christian view of culture and your role in it."  I love this topic and what Michael Horton says on it both challenges and encourages me to no end.  I highly recommend it and would love to read it with a group of people and discuss it.

Here is the description of it from the Ligonier Ministries website: Many believers have retreated into a Christian subculture where they read books published only by “Christian” publishers, listen only to “Christian” music, and generally stay away from anything that does not specifically call itself Christian. This book argues that such a withdrawal is not the biblical way to approach culture and shows why believers are free to enjoy truth and beauty wherever it is found.

Christian Growth

Christian growth does not happen by working hard to get something you don’t have. Rather, Christian growth happens by working hard to daily swim in the reality of what you do have. Believing again and again the gospel of God’s free, justifying grace everyday is the hard work we’re called to.

This means that real change happens only as we continuously rediscover the gospel. The progress of the Christian life is “not our movement toward the goal; it’s the movement of the goal on us.” Sanctification involves God’s attack on our unbelief—our self-centered refusal to believe that God’s approval of us in Christ is full and final. It happens as we daily receive and rest in our unconditional justification. As G. C. Berkouwer said, “The heart of sanctification is the life which feeds on justification.” -Tullian Tchividjian:

Conference Week!

Matt and I are off to the Ligonier National Conference this week in Orlando.  This will be my 9th time going and Matt's first time.  I am so excited for him to experience this awesome conference.  To hear the outstanding preaching and join in the hymn singing,  to scour the amazing bookstore and soak up the Florida sun, to fill up on Cheesecake Factory at night and to hang out with our group of conference goers (this year Regan and Cbass) will be GREAT FUN!  On top of this we have just learned our good friend Ben Richards will be in Orlando  this week too so we will get a chance to catch up with him.  God's blessings overfloweth!

Here is this year's conference schedule.  I love the theme the Christian Mind.  It's going to be AWESOME!!!  Feel free to drop in as it is always live streamed online.

Thursday, March 15 2012

Start	End	Description	Speaker
1:00 p.m.	2:10 p.m.	Have You Lost Your Mind? Christians today often do not think. Logic is considered worldly while contradiction is prized as a hallmark of true faith. In this message, Dr. R.C. Sproul will provide an overview and introduction to the sad state of the Christian mind today, providing real world illustrations and examples of some of the problems we must overcome.	R.C. Sproul
2:15 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	We Don’t Need No Education At one time, Christians, particularly Reformed Christians, were the intellectual leaders in America, but this is no longer the case. We are largely marginalized and have abdicated intellectual leadership to secularists. In this message, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey examines the role that anti-intellectualism played in this self-inflicted problem and what we must do to turn it around.	Robert Godfrey
4:15 p.m.	5:00 p.m.	Questions & Answers	Speaker Panel
5:55 p.m.	6:25 p.m.	OPTIONAL SESSION: Parenting by God's Promises	Joel Beeke
6:25 p.m.	6:55 p.m.	OPTIONAL SESSION: Thriving at College	Alex Chediak
7:15 p.m.	8:15 p.m.	I've Got Half a Mind Too... Our modern culture today is a theater of the absurd where irrationalism and relativism run rampant. We are told that Christianity may be “our truth,” but it isn’t everybody’s truth. In this message, Dr. Albert Mohler looks at the roots of today’s irrationalism, exposes it’s dangers, and explains how we as Christians should respond to it and inoculate ourselves against it.	Albert Mohler

Friday, March 16 2012

Start	End	Description	Speaker
8:15 a.m.	9:25 a.m.	The (True) Scandal of the Evangelical Mind One of the most serious scandals of the evangelical mind is the fact that it has lost any coherent grasp of the “evangel” – the gospel. Among those claiming to be evangelicals, substitutionary atonement, imputation, and justification are all denied. In this message, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. reminds us that we cannot have a Christian mind without the Christian gospel.	R.C. Sproul Jr.
9:30 a.m.	10:30 a.m.	Losing My Religion Even among those who hold to the basic truths of the Christian gospel, there is a tendency to remain content with milk and never strive to dig into the meat of the Word. Doctrinal shallowness is endemic and accepted. In this message, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson encourages us all to wrestle with the deep things of God and to stretch ourselves by reading some of the great theologians of the past.	Sinclair Ferguson
11:20 a.m.	12:20 p.m.	Rock of Ages & the Ages of Rocks The contemporary media portrays the relationship between science and Christianity as one of perpetual conflict and warfare. But it was not always so, as many of the most prominent scientists in history were faithful Christians. In this message, Dr. Stephen Meyer explains why the two, when properly understood, are not in conflict and reminds us that Scripture and creation can never ultimately contradict each other.	Stephen Meyer
12:45 p.m.	2:10 p.m.	OPTIONAL SESSION: White Horse Inn Live Taping & Audience Q&A Growing in Grace & Knowledge Knowledge and truth have fallen on hard times in contemporary American culture. We are distracted from thinking deeply about anything because we are too busy focusing on ourselves and our own entertainment. Sadly, this problem is not merely “out there,” in the world. Overnight, contemporary churches have become entertainment centers and purveyors of self-centered spirituality. Encouraged by smiling television preachers to have our best life now, modern Christians have almost lost sight of Jesus and his saving work. We desperately need to follow the advice of the Apostle Peter, who encouraged believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet 3:18). That’s what’s on tap for this special live taping of the White Horse Inn: “know what you believe and why you believe it.”	Michael Horton
2:20 p.m.	3:20 p.m.	Round Table Discussion	Speaker Panel
4:15 p.m.	5:15 p.m.	The Fear Factor In the centuries following the Enlightenment, the flood of challenges to Christianity has been ongoing, and in the last century they have increased at a rapid rate. Scientific advances have become challenges. As the world has grown smaller, encounters with other religions have also raised challenges. In this message, Dr. Michael Horton looks at the way many Christians have responded in fear rather than taking up the challenge and offering a reasoned defense of the faith.	Michael Horton
6:15 p.m.	6:45 p.m.	OPTIONAL SESSION: The Gospel Focus of Charles Spurgeon	Steven J. Lawson
6:45 p.m.	7:15 p.m.	OPTIONAL SESSION: Christ & Creativity	Michael Card
8:00 p.m.	8:50 p.m.	When Worlds Collide Truth is coherent, and we weaken our defense of it when we deal with issues in an atomistic manner. In order to regain our Christian mind, we have to have a coherent, fully-orbed Christian worldview. In this message, Dr. Del Tackett explains the importance of a Christian worldview, what it entails, and how we articulate it.	Del Tackett

Saturday, March 17 2012

Start	End	Description	Speaker
8:15 a.m.	9:20 a.m.	Ignorance Is Not Bliss The apostle Paul knew his opponents’ views better than they did and never argued from a position of ignorance. In order to regain our Christian mind, we too must once again engage the world in a fully-informed way. In this message, Dr. Robert Godfrey explains the importance of training up a new generation of Christians who will reject anti-intellectualist approaches and engage the philosophical, scientific, and religious challenges of the day in a fully-informed, Christ exalting way.	Robert Godfrey
9:25 a.m.	10:25 a.m.	Foolishness to the Greeks Anti-intellectualism is not the only danger Christians face. Those who seek to reclaim the Christian mind face the opposite danger — allowing a desire to please God to mutate into pride and a vain desire for worldly respect. In this message, Dr. Steven Lawson explains how we must walk a fine line and never accommodate the gospel in an attempt to please the cultured despisers of Christianity. We have already seen the sad results of a previous attempt to do this in the nineteenth century.	Steven Lawson
11:30 a.m.	12:30 p.m.	Love the Lord Your God with All Your Mind Ours is an age that emphasizes emotionalism and experience. Emotions and experiences are not necessarily bad things, but they should not be set up in opposition to the mind, to reason. In this message, Dr. R.C. Sproul exhorts us to remember that Jesus called us to love God with all of our hearts, with all of our souls, and with all of our minds.	R.C. Spr

Monday Night Dinner Study

One of the things I will miss the most when I move back to Tucson some day is Monday nights with my good friends Katie and Joy.  We get together every other Monday night for dinner and to discuss a book of the Bible we have all been reading together during the week.  We have been alternating between each others houses, taking turns cooking and eating some good food!  This has been a huge blessing in my life as these ladies love the Lord, love His word and are so encouraging.  Thank you Katie and Joy for helping me to fight the good fight! 

* Update to this post: The Sunday after the ladies and I met to discuss the book of Ruth, Jerram Bars from Covenant Seminary was a guest preacher at our church and he preached on Ruth 3.  It was an awesome sermon and so helpful to hear after just studying the book ourselves- God is so good!  You can hear his sermon here.

Read the Bible Daily

Some solid words of advice from J.C. Ryle:

"Make it a part of every day’s business to read and meditate on some portion of God’s Word. Private means of grace are just as needful every day for our souls — as food and clothing are for our bodies. Yesterday’s food will not feed the laborer today; and today’s food will not feed the laborer tomorrow. Do as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Gather your manna fresh every morning. Choose your own seasons and hours. Do not scramble over and hurry your reading. Give your Bible the best, and not the worst part of your time! But whatever plan you pursue, let it be a rule of your life to visit the throne of grace and God’s Word every day."

And a few more from the Desiring God Blog on reading the Bible:

Don’t rest on past reading. Read your Bible more and more every year. Read it whether you feel like reading it or not. And pray without ceasing that the joy return and pleasures increase.
Three reasons this is not legalism:

1. You are confessing your lack of desire as sin, and pleading as a helpless child for the desire you long to have. Legalists don’t cry like that. They strut.
2. You are reading out of desperation for the effects of this heavenly medicine. Bible-reading is not a cure for a bad conscience; it’s chemo for your cancer. Legalists feel better because the box is checked. Saints feel better when their blindness lifts, and they see Jesus in the word. Let’s get real. We are desperately sick with worldliness, and only the Holy Spirit, by the word of God, can cure this terminal disease.
3. It is not legalism because only justified people can see the preciousness and power of the Word of God. Legalists trudge with their Bibles on the path toward justification. Saints sit down in the shade of the cross and plead for the blood-bought pleasures.

So lets give heed to Mr. Ryle and never grow weary of the slow, steady, growth that comes from the daily, disciplined, increasing, love affair with reading the Bible.

Do not think you are getting no good from the Bible, merely because you do not see that good day by day. The greatest effects are by no means those which make the most noise, and are most easily observed. The greatest effects are often silent, quiet, and hard to detect at the time they are being produced.
Think of the influence of the moon upon the earth, and of the air upon the human lungs. Remember how silently the dew falls, and how imperceptibly the grass grows. There may be far more doing than you think in your soul by your Bible-reading. (J. C. Ryle, Practical Religion, 136)

A Life Changing Read

This book is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am just finishing up this book by Randy Alcorn.  I have never read anything by Alcorn and I have never read anything on heaven before.  I read this over the course of about 6 months and I am dying to read it again.  I am wondering if there is a study guide to go along with it so I can get the most of out of it.  I am also wondering what other books I can read on heaven.  

I have been thinking wrong about heaven my whole life.  I can't believe what God has in store for us!  This definitely changes the way I look at life, maybe the way I look at everything...

Learning Skills 101: Learning How to Learn

I have been listening to some great lectures on "The Life of the Mind" given by Presbyterian minister Kenneth Samples.  This is an eight part class he taught using Mortimer Adlers's book "How to Read a Book."  This class is right up my alley and I am hoping to get Adler's book soon so I can read it and further sharpen my reading skills.  If you love reading and learning I highly recommend this class which can be downloaded for free here  The Life of the Mind by Kenneth Samples

Class lectures are as follows:

Intelligent Reading - Introduction"

Intelligent Reading - The Academic 10 Commandments"

Intelligent Reading - The Renaissance Christian"

Intelligent Reading - IDEAS"

Intelligent Reading - Introduction to Logic"

Intelligent Reading - What Makes a Good Argument"

Intelligent Reading - Three Types of Arguments: Deductive, Inductive, and Abductive"

Intelligent Reading - Logical Fallacies"

Amil Study

RC Sproul is one of my favorite Bible teachers and something I really, really appreciate about him is that he is so fair when it comes to teaching on things he disagrees with.  What I mean is that he does not misrepresent systems, ideas, theologies or people he doesn't like or agree with.  I long to be this way myself and know I fail in it as it is so easy to let emotion take control over truth. God help me!

It wasn't until I joined a Presbyterian church that I first ran into people who do not like John MacArthur and do not think of him as a top Bible teacher.  This was shocking to me and confusing since MacArthur is usually a key note speaker at the Ligonier Ministries conferences (whose president and founder is a Reformed Presbyterian).  Some of the criticisms I heard regarding MacArthur usually had to do with him being a "dispensationalist" and him not being "reformed."  I learned the five points of Calvinism as a babe from MacArthur and so I could not understand why anyone would say he wasn't reformed- he loves the doctrines of God's sovereign grace!  My current eschatology study has taught me a lot not only about eschatology but also covenant theology, dispensationalism, and what it is to be reformed.  I now understand why someone would say MacArthur is not reformed as he does not subscribe to the whole system but I don't know why they give him so much grief for being a progressive dispensationalist- as if it makes him a heretic. Progressive dispensationalism and classical dispensationalism are significantly different.  After listening to hundreds of hours of his preaching over the past 10 years I can tell you he absolutley is not a classical dispensationalist but the critcisms I hear about him are always disinctives of classical dispensationalism.  Either his critics don't understand the difference between the two systems or they're misrepresenting the truth.

Unfortunately the misrepresenting of truth is not only a problem for us sheep but for all people, shepherds included.  Through my current eschatology study I have come to find out that I have been taught misrepresentations of amillenialism and covenant theology from MacArthur.  His teaching on these matters appear to be more emotionally driven than fact driven.  This is unfortunate and makes me very sad as I hold him in the highest esteem.

Anyway, I have been listening to a great study by Kim Riddlebarger on amillenialism which has started to make clear things that were so confusing to me before that I probably couldn't even formulate a coherent question regarding them.  Riddlebarger has been making clear to me how these different eschatological systems can each seem compelling.  It all has to do with your presupposed hermeneutic.  Riddlebarger believes that interpretation of Bible propehcy begins with identifying methodological presuppositions and that the way to determine the best eschatological system is to first identify and evaluate the underlying hermeneutic involved.  He then goes on to compare dispensational and reformed hermeneutics.

Dispensational hermeneutic:

1. Claims to hold to a literal interpretation of prophetic sections of the Bible

2. Recognition of distincitve programs between the Church and National Israel.

*This system of interpretation can be called an "Israel-centered hermeneutic."

Reformed hermeneutic:

Here is where Riddlebarger talks about the analogi fide idea which means "Scripture interprets Scripiure."  (I have heard "Scripture interprets Scripture" my whole Christian life from MacArthur).

1. New Testament interprets Old Testament.

2. Old Testament writers spoke in pre-Messianic terms describing the glories of the future in terms of the age they lived in.

3. New Testament always interprets Old Testament figures in light of their significance- especially in Christ.

*This system of interpretation can be called a "Christ-centered hermeneutic."

Riddlebarger teaches that Old Testament themes are types and shadows of glorious realities that are fulfilled in Christ.  The general thrust of redemptive history goes like this:

(1.) types and shadows to (2.) language used by the prophets describing the glories of the coming messianic age to (3.) the reality of that is found in Christ. This means Jesus is the true Israel, the true temple, the heir to David's throne, etc.

I am really enjoying Riddlebarger's series on amillenialism and considering it very seriously.  I really appreciate that Riddlebarger seems to be fairly representing the different systems and people he is talking about.  He displays great passion and humility in his teaching.  His series can be found on the right sidebar of his blog and is free for download.

Time for the Conference- YIPPEE!

My mom, sisters, and friend Cbass have been attending the Ligonier Ministries National Conference in Orlando, Florida since 2004, missing only last year due to the dates being moved to summer.  This will be our 7th conference! We love to go for the two and half days of awesome Bible teaching, the amazing book store, and the time of fellowship and fun we have together.  Not to mention the fact that it is in one of our favorite places to visit, Florida!  This is the first time I will be traveling with my family from Minnesota and this is the first time I am really looking forward to one of the aspects they always look forward to- the weather!  Spring is trying to take hold in Minnesota but March is know n for snow storms filled with heavy, wet snow.  The temps here have been slowly creeping up but 80 degrees this week in Orlando is going to feel awesome!  We leave Wednesday and the conference starts Thurdays morning.  The speakers this year are Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, John Piper, RC Sproul, and RC Sproul Jr.  I can't wait to hear all the lectures as well as the Westminster Brass bringing down the house with A Mighty Fortress!  I love when they play Holy, Holy, Holy and stop the music towards the end of the song and let the voices of the saints rise to heaven in a glorious chorus!  I love the banter of the the guys back and forth on stage and how RC always cracks himself up while he preaches.  I love spending hours in the bookstore which is huge and has any book I could ever want.  I love going out to eat at yummy places with the ladies every night like the Cheesecake Factory...  Oh, I can't wait to go!

Here is this year's schedule:

Thursday March 24 

Forty Years of Proclaiming God's Holiness (RC Sproul) Ligonier Ministries' purpose is to awaken as many people as possible to the holiness of God by proclaiming, teaching, and defending God's holiness in all its fullness. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul will expand on this statement, explaining why a proper understanding of the holiness of God is absolutely crucial if we are to know the true God as well as the depths of our depravity.  

War on the Word (Steven Lawson) The first temptation recorded in Scripture is an attack on the trustworthiness of God’s Word. Such attacks have continued unabated to our own day. In the past, such attacks were usually made by liberals, but today we hear more and more doubts cast upon God’s Word by professed evangelicals. In this lecture, Dr. Steve Lawson reminds us of the importance of a commitment to the authority, inspiration, and inerrancy of Scripture.

Why the God-Man? (Sinclair Ferguson) The Apostle Paul declared to the Corinthian church that he had decided to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The person and work of Jesus are at the heart of the Christian faith. In this lecture, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson explains what it means to confess our faith in one who is fully God and fully man and what it means that this Jesus was crucified for our sins.

OPTIONAL SESSION: Redeemed Womanhood - Generation to Generation (Susan Hunt)

OPTIONAL SESSION: The Next Story (Tim Challies)

Questions & Answers With R.C. Sproul and Ligonier's Teaching Fellows Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, and R.C. Sproul Jr.

Friday March 25

Defending the Faith (RC Sproul) In his first epistle, Peter informs believers that we are to be always prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us. In this day and age, the number and kinds of questions that arise are astounding, but this does not give us an excuse to give up the fight. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul reminds us that apologetics is the duty of every Christian in every walk of life.

Almighty Over All (RC Sproul Jr.)  Most Christians claim to believe in the sovereignty of God, but many define His sovereignty in a way that ultimately exalts man over God. Scripture continually magnifies the sovereignty of God, but what does this mean? In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr. explains what it means to say that God is sovereign and examines the implications of this confession for our lives and ministries.

Worshiping the Triune God (Steven Lawson) Fallen human beings have devised many ways of worshiping their gods, but the living God will only be worshiped in a manner that honors Him. We know we are called to worship our Lord in a manner pleasing to Him, but what does this look like? In this lecture, Dr. Steven Lawson examines the biblical principles of worship and explores the insights of the Reformers into this vitally important facet of Christian faith and life.

OPTIONAL SESSION: Believing God (RC Sproul Jr.)

OPTIONAL SESSION: Pillars of Grace (Steven Lawson)

Don’t Waste Your Life (John Piper) Many people, even Christians, go through their lives devoted to trivial things, living for comfort and pleasure. There is no passion for God. In this lecture, Dr. John Piper will exhort all of us to not waste our lives on such trivial pursuits. Only a life passionately devoted to the cross of Christ and the glory of God will be considered a life not squandered on the last day.

Clothed in Righteousness (RC Sproul) Justification is the article upon which the church stands or falls, the main hinge on which religion turns. Yet as important as justification is, many Christians remain confused about it, and others actively blur its features. In this lecture, Dr. R.C. Sproul will explain the basic tenets of the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone that we might know the ground on which we stand before a holy God.

OPTIONAL SESSION: An Unexpected Journey (Robert Godfrey)

OPTIONAL SESSION: By Grace Alone (Sinclair Ferguson)

Ministry Reflections with John Piper & R.C. Sproul A round table discussion on the valuable lessons learned by each man throughout their ministry experiences as well as advice to the next generation of Christians and leaders in the church.

Saturday March 26

Evangelism & Missions (John Piper) The highest motive for missions and evangelism is not obedience to the Great Commission, although obedience is required. Nor is the highest motive love for sinners, great as that love may be. The greatest motive for missions and evangelism is a passionate zeal for the glory of Jesus Christ. As Dr. John Piper will explain in this lecture, worship of the living God is the fuel and goal of missions and evangelism.

Pleasing God (Robert Godfrey) Scripture calls us to be holy as God is holy and exhorts us to strive for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. There are pitfalls, however, as we strive to mortify the flesh: we can easily fall into either legalism or antinomianism. In this lecture, Dr. Robert Godfrey will provide biblical guidance and wisdom for Christians struggling against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Twenty-Five Years of Desiring God (John Piper) Celebrating the truth that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him, Desiring God was published twenty-five years ago to explain how delight is our duty. In this lecture, Dr. John Piper will expand on the themes and vision of this paradigm-shattering work.

MY Contribution to Salvation

"The only thing that I contribute to my own salvation is the sin that makes it necessary."
                                         - Archbishop William Temple

The Rapture: History & Influence in America

The Rapture: History and Influence in America from Derrick Sims on Vimeo.

A Serious Sharpening...

This is one of the best sermons I have ever heard and because of it I may have entered the fold of covenant theology- which I have only flirted with in the past.  Ryan and Ben and Phil will be so proud of me...

"The Law, the Prophets and the Last Days" by Sinclair Ferguson

This sermon is from the study I am doing on eschatology- the fruit of which may not be a particular view of the millennium after all but may instead be  a serious sharpening or even a kind of  paradigm shift in my understanding of the Bible as a whole and God's plan of redemption.   I hope you will take the time to listen to this amazing sermon and at the end stand up in triumphalistic worship of Christ and God the Father, who is all in all.

For further information on covenant theology versus dispensationalism check out this helpful article by Ligon Duncan. Dispensationalism: A Reformed Evaluation