I've just returned from the Desiring God pastors conference in Minneapolis. The weather was cold!!! The conference was great. I believe I was there by God's providence. I had planned to attend a preaching conference in Florida in April. When I went online to sign up they had canceled it. In looking around for something else I happened to find this one. The theme was evangelism. I surely need some help in that area so, well the rest is history. My heart was stirred. Here are some thoughts I jotted down:
passion - that's what I feel, pure passion for the glory of God. 1500 men singing with joy and gusto, many with hands raised, tears in their eyes, one dear young man dancing, singing, kneeling because he loves the Lord. Awesome!
prayer - never have I heard anyone pray like John Piper. He knows God! He would often quote verses of scripture as part of his praying. I kept my eyes open once to watch him. His whole body was alive with love for God. We were on Holy Ground.
Faith - the thing that I keep hearing in my heart in reference to sharing the gospel is trust God to work - in His own time and what often seems strange ways. Believe in the power of the gospel. The story of Luke Short is an example. Not a church going man yet at 100 years of age he came under conviction about his lostness from a sermon he heard when he was 15 years old and was gloriously converted.
courage - we have suffered a noticeable loss in our willingness to offend people with the gospel. We must never be offensive in our witness but we need realize that the gospel offends people. There is no painless way to tell someone that they are under the wrath of God.
ministry - I get to do the greatest work in the world - pastor God's people - the saints of the Most High - those for whom the Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood. How blessed I am.
Yes it was a great conference. I am still processing it and will be for months to come. God was good to redirect me to the cold north country to stoke the flame of love for Him in my heart.
Praise the Lord O my soul and all that is within me bless His holy name!
Bruce
Brother Bruce,
ReplyDeleteGood stuff. I am thrilled you were able to attend the Bethlehem Conference and I am moved to worship our Father who got you there for his name's sake. May George West, Texas know that he is Lord. I look forward to reading more of your reflections.
Blessings,
Bret Rogers