Passion

For a more comprehensive review of each message from the Together for the Gospel Conference, please check Tim Challies (official) blog at challies.com.

Today, after some wonderful messages by Ligon Duncan, Albert Mohler, and R.C. Sproul, the evening concluded with John Piper speaking on preaching with passion. Many of the 2500 in the room were convicted regarding the simple question of whether or not we really grasp the passion for God’s glory that we ought.

The issue can be applied to any Christian’s life, not just a pastor’s pulpit duties. If we worship a God who is glorious, and claim to know and have a personal relationship with Him as well, then how does that translate into the way we live worship, preach, hope, make decisions, etc.

A commentator on modern culture mentioned that what people are really looking for today is an authentic experience with God. While that assessment seems accurate, the question is how we define an “authentic experience”. Not mere emotions, though emotions ought to come with it. Not mere knowledge, because knowledge does not necessarily connote interaction. A real God, who is really glorious, and has revealed Himself through His Scripture and His Son, i.e. His Word.

One question though: since we all express passion in different ways, is it possible to passionately convey the glory of God from one person to another? Yes and no. I’ll explain later.

T4G

Writing from Louisville, KY, at the T4G Conference. Not just another crazy acronym, or maybe so, Together for the Gospel is an opportunity for four men – Mark Dever, Albert Mohler, C.J. Mahaney, and Ligon Duncan – to express their fellowship and unity in the Gospel, despite different backgrounds and ministry calls. There is one thing that keeps us together – the humbling realization that Christ saved us out of sheer grace.

Mark Dever preached tonight from 1 Corinthians 4, helping us remember we are God’s stewards. During the panel discussion, one of the members was wiping his own eyes simply reflecting on how it is true that we only have what God has given to us in Christ. It is a humbling, freeing, and sobering lesson. These words help us keep ministry as not a personal endeavor, but for God’s glory alone. Thanks be to God.