The Together for the Gospel conference was a great experience. Seven of Evangelicalisms brightest lights gathered together to encourage, admonish, motivate, and convict thousands of church leaders (and some future church leaders). Whenever you bring together Mark Dever, Al Mohler, C.J, Maheny, Ligon Duncan, John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, and John Piper it’s an occasion to rejoice in.
Pastor Mark Dever talked about “the pastor’s understanding of his role.” He did a quick exposition through 1 Corinthians 4 showing the “Three Marks of a Real-Minister.” Those marks were a cross-centered message (vv. 1-7), a cross-centered life (vv. 8-15), and a cross-centered follower (vv. 16-21). Mark reminded us that the cross is the center, but praise God it is not the end!
Ligon Duncan lectured on the importance of preaching from the Old Testament. He gave 8 major points during his lecture: 1. Please do not neglect the O.T. 2. Preach the O.T. expositionally. 3. Preach Christ from the O.T. 4. Preach one plan of Redemptive history from the O.T. 5. Preach grace from the O.T. 6. Preach the character of God from the O.T. 7. Preach experientially from the O.T. 8. Preach the Christian life from the O.T.
Dr. Al Mohler lectured on “preaching with the culture in view.” This was a very well balanced lecture, one that every Christian minister should listen to. Mohler pointed out 2 extremes we need to avoid: 1. Simply ignoring the culture altogether (e.g. Amish paradise). 2. Allowing culture to dominate our ministries (e.g. the Emergent church movement). Dr. Mohler reminded us that you can not withdraw entirely from culture even when you try. Culture allows human beings to relate to one another (so don’t view it as an entirely negative concept).
Like many other areas in the Christian walk this is all about balance friends; “Culture can’t be our main concern, but it can’t be avoided either.” Mohler suggested we read Augustine’s “City of God.” We must realize that people are part of culture. Therefore, “we can not withdraw from the people because THEY are the object of God’s love.”
Mohler ended his lecture explaining why culture (right now) presents some serious problems from the Christian preacher. Understanding these matters helps the preacher to be precise and more relevant (biblically speaking). Ultimately we have to respond according to whatever culture God places us in. We live in perilous times but we have the Holy Scriptures to protect and guide us on our way. The gospel is a transcultural message and it is essential for every person to embrace it in faith.
2 comments:
CK -
Thanks for the trip over to my e-territory. And thanks for your thoughtful comments.
I recently received an email from Ian Masterson, and it contained news of a soon-to-be-born Kolstad. Congratulations. I trust that you and your wife will be ready and able to raise your child in the nurture and admonition of our Lord.
I think of you and the youth group at FBC, as well as Pastor Flatt and the elders, often. Please know that you are in my prayers - gratitude for my time there, gratitude for your current ministry, gratitude even for the events that led to my leaving, and trust that in all things we are being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Peace.
Riley,
Thanks for the note. I am glad to hear you are doing well. It is also great to see you thriving in school. From what i hear you are a major brain.
I have for sometime now read your blog, in part, because your perspective is different than most of my ministry friends. As a pastor it is good to think through something from another persons perspective. No doubt you are a thoughtful thinker with a sharp mind.
I would say the major areas of disagreement (between us) would probably be confined to the Emerging church stuff and N.T. Wright's material (more specifically his New Perspective on Paul). I happen to think (from what i've read/listened to/etc) that Brian McClaren and N.T. Wright are outside Orthodoxy. Honestly, it concerns me to hear you quoting them so much. I hope that the Lord will grant you wisdom and discernment as you compare their writings with Holy Scripture (the same challange is extended to me and the authors/books i read).
Dr. John Piper is going to do an entire national conference this year on these issues (Post-modernism, the Emerging Church, etc). It is entitled "Above All Earthly Powers" and the link is here http://www.desiringgod.org
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this conference after it takes place.
I am thankful to hear you have been in contact with Ian and some of the other FBC elders. They are good men who truly care about you and Emily.
I honestly appreciate your prayers on our behalf. You know the Carmel landscape very well so I'm sure you are aware of the challanges and the advantages of this area.
Have a great day-
CK
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