Post Tenebras Lux

Good evening to you all! Today has been a very long day, but one of immense personal joy. As I am writing this, I must confess that I am thoroughly exhausted but my heart is more warm and alive than I’ve felt in a long time. Tonight’s session was especially inspiring.

Here’s the rundown from today’s sessions at the Together for the Gospel conference. This morning consisted of two general sessions followed by one discussion session, where the four hosts laughed, prodded, lamented, and celebrated all that is Christian ministry. The opening preacher was Dr. Ligon Duncan, senior minister at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Mississippi. He’s the lone representative from my own denomination, the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). His area of discussion was preaching the Old Testament, and his message was particularly strong because he spent a copious amount of time demonstrating that Jesus is the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament pointed to; he even did a very cursory overview of the covenants and how they are the primary means in which God has foreshadowed, promised, and delivered Jesus Christ.

Next up was Dr. Albert Mohler, president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Mohler lectured on the subject of Preaching with the Culture in View, and in usual Mohler style, spoke intelligently, succinctly, and persuasively. He holds claim to the most memorable line of the day, when he spoke concerning evangelicals’ materialism. In his words, he said, “Angels are not the cutesy little figurines you buy down at the local Christian bookstore. In the Bible, when you saw an angel, you wet your pants.” Enough said.

After a wonderful discussion session, I had the pleasure of eating lunch with several interns from Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama. They were fine gentlemen, laced with quick wit and abundant sarcasm. I felt at home with them very quickly.

The highlight of the day without question was the address given by Dr. John Piper of Bethlehem Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I refer you to Challies Dot Com for the exact details of his message, because I was so profoundly awestruck at the message God gave him to preach. Thanks to Matt Emerson, my friend and soon to be brother-in-law, we were able to secure seats on the third row in front of the platform. I was absolutely and completely mesmerized as Piper preached on the beauty and glory of God and how that divine intoxication radically affects Christian preaching. It was a glorious moment, and I encourage you to go the Together for the Gospel website to see if you can download his message. You will not be disappointed.

Tomorrow we will hear from C.J. Mahaney and Dr. John MacArthur before the conference closes. Today was a glorious day!