March 12, 2005

Al Mohler

Bear with me for one last post about the Shepherd's Conference. Here is a pic of Daniel, Pastor, and myself with the Rev. Al Mohler.

Posted by Andrew at 10:31 AM // Comments: 4 //
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March 6, 2005

Shepherd's Conference: Final Photos

Well, we are home. Right now I am laboring into the wee hours of the morning to finish a presentation for tomorrow morning. For your viewing pleasure, here are some more pics from the conference:

Here is a picture of John MacArthur preaching. I am sorry that he came out so small in it, we were sitting near the back.

Al Mohler preaching. Ditto about the distance. We actually got a close-up of us with Dr. Mohler, but it is still on my brother's camera. Will post it as soon as I get it.

The church was equipped with wireless internet for the conference, and even had a row of laptops on which people could check their e-mail. Here is Daniel taking advantage of that feature.

And, speaking of Daniel, here he is living the life of luxury at our hotel.

Posted by Andrew at 3:34 AM
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Shepherds Conference: The Thoughts of Others

Scott over at To Give An Answer has some interesting thoughts about the "Dead Right" seminar at the Shepherds Conference.

Posted by Andrew at 3:32 AM
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March 5, 2005

Shepherd's Conference: Live Blogging Al Mohler

I am sitting in the auditorium of Grace Community Church in Burbank, CA. This is the last session we will be attending of this year's Shepherd's Conference.

Right now Al Mohler is preaching. I have long enjoyed Al Mohler's weblog, and his preaching is even better.

His text today is Ezekiel 37, which tells of Ezekiel's vision of the valley of the dry bones. He is treating it as a parable for ministry in a post-modern age. I really enjoyed his background information on Ezekiel--including modern attempts to psychoanalyze him.

In illustrating what is wrong with the Church today, he just cited an article in a British newspaper which stated that the Church of England is sending to all of it's congregations a 750 page manual on customer service published by (of all places!) McDonalds.

According to Dr. Mohler, we as ministers of the Gospel cannot view ourselves as professionals. Once we begin to see our work that way, there will be the "stench of death".

God did not tell the bones to rise up directly, he instructed Ezekiel to tell them. For Ezekiel to speak to lifeless bones took an act of faith. Many times, for us to speak the word of God to those who are dead in trespasses and sins takes the same faith.

Ezekiel's vision illustrates for us a picture of the pattern of revival which characterizes God's working with His people down through the ages.

Excellent quote from Dr. Mohler: "This text was fulfilled in Israel's experience, but let us remind ourselves that this text was fully fulfilled in Christ."

Another quote: "The big question for us as we leave this place is this--do we really believe that it can happen again?"

Dr. Mohler offers four hallmarks of Reformation as found in this passage.

1. Reformation cannot be orchestrated.
2. If Reformation comes, it will be for God’s own name’s sake.
3. God brings Reformation through preaching.
4. True Reformation issues an evidence of new life.

Final Quote: "This is a great time in which to live, because God is sovereign, and he made us to live in these times!"

Posted by Andrew at 12:25 PM
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Shepherd's Conference: Freezing Fingers

I am sitting here before the Shepherd's Coference begins it's last day. The "internet café" is located outside, and today is definitely not a representation of the term "sunny California". If anybody was inspired by a certain Momma's and Papas song to come to California today, they will be sadly disappointed.

Well, the service is about to start, so I am going to hear Al Mohler preach.

Posted by Andrew at 11:48 AM
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