This has been a phrase that has been mentioned several times throughout this conference, and for me, it sums up the message that the Lord has so vividly laid on my mind and heart throughout this conference – together for the Gospel. Although much has been preached and taught, and unfortunately my feeble mind has only comprehended or retained only a small portion, the resounding theme of God infinite grace and divine love has directed our eyes to the Gospel of Christ. And, it is the truth of the Gospel that asks the questions, “what do we have that we did not receive?” We have received everything, and most significantly, we have received the imputation of Christ’s righteousness so that we may please a holy God.
I cannot sum up all that has been preached or taught today or last night. I could not do justice to the gift of grace that has been offered through the careful yet powerful handling of the Word of God by these faithful men. I can only say that God has been exulted and that His glory has shined as a magnificent light in our hearts. Tonight, John Piper concluded today’s Gospel feast by calling men to deny all of self and pursue God and His glory. If anyone has read Piper’s books, they will know that this John’s battle cry; however, tonight, he had a keen, relatively, unusual awareness of the implications of this call to all of God’s men as he set before us an example of sobriety and earnestness while instructing ministers of the Gospel to passionately proclaim the Word of Christ. I don’t believe that I have ever heard a greater appeal to live selflessly yet aggressively for the glory of God. This was indeed momentous.
I could go on indefinitely, but I can’t, because I must sleep, so I won’t. However, I must reiterate that this conference, I believe, is a landmark event in true church history. I have had that privilege of hearing some of greatest preachers of our time who have represented the majority of Gospel-centered evangelicals. Additionally, it is a thrill to me to attend this conference with men who represent even a broader scope of evangelicals. Over 400 Sovereign Grace pastors/interns are in attendance; many Gospel preaching Presbyterian, Baptist, Bible and Community churches are represented; and it was encouraging to see leaders of main-line fundamentalism in attendance as well – Dave Doran, Tim Jordan, Sam Horn and Dan Davy. I hope that this demonstrates their desire to keep Christ central despite minor disagreements. Praise be to God for His marvelous grace.
Tomorrow, there are only two more sessions, but they are bound to be dynamite. C.J. Mahaney speaks first followed by John MacArthur. May God bless His word and may He annoints His messengers with His Spirit to proclaim His Word.
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