Tuesday, October 23, 2007

"Feed Me Til I Want No More"



It has been a busy year and a busy past week. It has also been a very profitable week. On Saturday night Dr. Bruce Ware spoke to a group of leaders at our church on "leadership lessons from the Trinity." It was a wonderful lecture. Dr. Ware reminded us how it is actually God-like to exercise Biblical leadership AND is God-like when we exercise Biblical obedience (i.e. submission). He looked at the Father's example of putting the spot-light on the Son and exhorted we human leaders to do the same. How can we identify evidences of grace in people around us esp. those who may work directly for us?
On Sunday Dr. Ware presented 3 lectures on the doctrine of God. Bruce was both clear and profound. He was both Biblical and practical. My wife Andrea and I were able to have Dr. Ware over to our home for lunch and conversation following Sunday school hour. It was great being able to pick the brain of a first rate Bible scholar like Dr. Ware. I believe next to the Master's Seminary in California that Southern Seminary is the best theological school for prospective pastors to attend in the United States. Both are wonderful, first rate schools.

On Monday I flew to Orlando to attend the Ligonier Pastor's Conference with my father. Dr. R.C. Sproul, Dr. Steve Lawson, and Dr. Joel Beeke are the main speakers. Steve Lawson has already preached 3 amazing sermons on Psalm 93, 2 Timothy 4, and on Revelation 4. Ligonier does a wonderful job hosting pastors from around the country during this small Pastors Conference.
During Lawson's opening address he said we have seen an eclipse in our theology (e.g. open theism, non-Lordship salvation, ECT, health and wealth gospel, etc); we've observed an eclipse in doxology (just attend the average evangelical church worship services); and an eclipse in our methodology (pragmatism reigns, seeker movements, etc).
Steve reminded us that man can build a booming building but only God can build a Church. Dr. Lawson went on to preach through the 93rd Psalm (Our Lord reigns). He noted that God will mediate His sovereign reign through His Word.
In conclusion Lawson said, "The greatest issue facing your church today is who is seated above...In other words, who is your God?"

4 comments:

Tacosix said...

So my young Padawan...are you up for going back down in March for the Ligonier National Conference? I have not heard Steve Lawson (who will also be at the national conference), but have heard of him...solid and clear in his teaching. CJ Mahaney and of course Dr. MacArthur will be there. I am going to see if our pastor from up here would like to go...he love DR. MacArthur's teaching.

Are you going to be there the whole pastor's conference? I pray it is refreshing to receive the Word and fellowship. You'll find not only Presby's there, but many who are of the Reformed Baptist as well.

MT

Caleb Kolstad said...

I don't think i am going to the National conference in March because Pastor Flatt ok'd me to attend Shepherds Conference in March.

It will be my first trip back to So Cal in 3 years.

Steve Lawson has been on fire this conference. He has preached 4 wonderful sermons already!!!

You are right there is a mixed bag of men at this conference. I found a guy who still likes Fuller Seminary and a guy who thinks Fredrick KC Price is a gift to the church...I have also met a number of really neat pastors as well as caught with some old friends.

We have lunch in a few minutes and then Dr. Sproul on a God Centered Concept of Truth.

Grace,
Caleb

Tacosix said...

What, no more updates from the pastor's conference!!? You have a long way to go before you are a seasoned conference blogger like Tim Challies. ;-)

Seriously, how did the rest of the conference go? Did your head explode from all the great teaching?

MT

Caleb Kolstad said...

Mark,

I am NO challies!!!

See above for a review though...

Caleb