Shepherd's Conference Day 2

I must be really loving the Shepherd's Conference. When I woke up this morning, Pastor Park informed me of my sleep talking this past night. I was apparently saying, "I love John MacArthur" in my sleep over and over again. We are both enjoying our stay here with great thankfulness. Pastor Park at the end of the day tells me, "Now I know why you love John MacArthur so much." We have been really challenged by the preaching of the Word here. Here is a short overview of the general sessions.

General Session 4 - Rick Holland

Rick Holland’s message to start the morning was an exposition of the account of Nadab and Abihu’s death as recounted in the book of Leviticus. The preaching was by far the best I’ve heard from Rick Holland (that’s not saying much because I’ve only heard around 2 of his sermons). His interpretation was simple: Nadab and Abihu did something they weren’t supposed to, something that God did not command. The nail that struck the heart in my case was the reality that the same God who punished Nadab and Abihu for offering strange fire was the same God I am under. God did not change His standards for holiness, especially with those who minister on His behalf. God meticulously and sufficiently describes how His ministry ought to be done, and as ministers, we ought to do them. Holland’s exhortation was a much needed one. God doesn't expect us to do anything BEYOND what He has prescribed. He simply wants us to do the things He has prescribed well.

General Session 5 - Q&A w/ John MacArthur

The questions ranged from inquiries about MacArthur’s pen collection to the outworking of Sovereign Election. The one question that stood out though, was when one asked MacArthur if he regards himself to be a Calvinist and why he has been aligning himself to that name, especially in view of the many misconceptions people have about Calvinism and the admonition we find in 1 Corinthians 1:12-13. MacArthur replied that he only addresses himself as a Calvinist if his audience knows what he’s talking about. But he could really care less. He replied that Calvin would be appalled if he found out people were aligning himself to his name. Calvin was never a Calvinist! MacArthur then stated that all he desires to be is a biblicist. It just happens to be that the doctrines of Calvinism fits so well with biblical teaching.

General Session 6 - Albert Mohler

Albert Mohler’s exposition on the Deuteronomy 4:32-40 is a must hear. You can find Nathan Williams' review of the sermon at http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/03/06/session-5-al-mohler/. This exposition explained the necessity of expositional preaching and argued that the grave lack of exposition in American pulpits is due to a bad theology and not bad practice. He reminded us that God speaks and idols don't. He reminded us of the awesome privilege of being God's chosen who hear His voice. He reminded us that the preaching of God's Word (expositionally that is) is a matter of life and death. The Word gives life and where there is no going forth of the Word, there is no life. A great sermon, and a must hear!

Pastor Park and I are greatly thankful for the opportunity to be hear. We are already discussing how we can grow and change and excel at being expositional preachers. We pray that such preaching will bring God's Word more powerfully and more accurately for the souls of our people. Please continue to pray for us as we spend our last day here tomorrow! Stay strong and God bless!