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.