True Church Conference 2010 – Thoughts and 1st Message
Well, I barely made it home without crashing from crashing. Not a lot of sleep + long day + driving at night = difficult. Now it's time to crash in the bed, but here are my notes from the first night and message of the Grace Life Shoals True Church Conference 2010.
Some observations and anecdotes: I can only imagine what one might think if they were to be visiting the church for the first time. With its title of "True Church Conference" combined with a story of a family moving from another state to attend Grace Life (shared as part of a God glorifying testimony of regeneration), and testimonies of other "young" churches seeking Grace Life for guidance - I can see how some might get the wrong idea, but to the true Church (believing, repenting sinners) it becomes evident that these are stories of God's providence, for His glory and fame.
For those who might ask, the conference is not about trying to declare some church and its members the "one true" church. The conference is about discerning the truth of God from scripture, to equip the true Church (believers) to make disciples of Christ. This year's theme is "The Quagmire of Hyper-Calvinism," and this first message was preached by David Miller, entitled "The Wonder of Unconditional Love."
These are my rough notes. I'll probably come back later after having the chance to re-listen to the sermons.
David Miller. Mal 1:1-5.
"Bible teaching is not where you read the text and depart from it and never return."
=== Jacob have I loved ===
"Was not Jacob Esau's brother?"
By an act of His will, God singled Jacob out and set him up to be an object of the divine affections. Even though Jacob was a cheat and a liar -- depraved. Therefor, if God loved Jacob he did so with selectivity and favoritism.
=== Esau have I hated ===
Esau enjoyed an awesome heritage. He had many blessings: born in answer to prayer and received as a gift from God to the family chosen by God. From a worldly perspective, we would probably like Esau as "every man's man." But God "hated."
Read the verse in context and choose the interpretation that best fits:
Interpretation 1) Relative comparison- meaning in comparison to his love for Jacob he simply loved Esau less. Doesn't fit.
Interpretation 2) Preferred and passed over- doesn't fit context either.
Interpretation 3) He loved Esau but hated the sin: Bro. David keeps this one pretty cut and dry, saying it's not the case, but my reflection on the verse reminds me a couple of things: primarily that the connotation here is more of predestined for salvation than that of emotional hatred. Although, conversely, it is true that God's wrath is stored up against the unbelieving sinner.
Interpretation 4) A valid one- settled opposition toward, and a holy disdain for.
Why the disdain?
a) Esau lived for the present.
b) Esau lived for the flesh instead of the Spirit.
c) Esau lived for the praises of men, rather than of God.
d) Esau counted worthless what God highly valued.
But wait: so did Jacob! so do we!
God has as much right and reason to 'hate' (have a settled opposition and holy disdain for) you, me, and Jacob as he did to hate Esau.
Notes from 9-13-2009 PM Sermon – God’s Alluring
Hosea 2:14
== God's drawing the unworthy ==
"Behold, I will allure her."
Man's evil is so complete impending judgment (what Hosea has been talking about so far, and what will still come) could never turn man back. (cf. Gen 8:21) Instead of giving up, God lovingly entices us back. This is grace. (cf. Rom 5:20)
- This means God will gradually unfold before them the majesty of his excellence. He opens their eyes.
- God will out love all former lovers combined. More love, honor, respect than any other has ever been able to give. The pleasures of God are greater than the pleasures of sin.
- It comes by surprise. The people weren't expecting it. (eg. Surprised by Joy by C.S. Lewis). (cf. John 6:41-44)
== God's bringing to the truth ==
"And bring her into the wilderness."
When God saves you, he puts you into a new wilderness - a new awareness of sin and guilt. He lets you see the truth about yourself. (cf. Luke 7:40-47)
== God speaks to the heart ==
"And speak tenderly to her."
(cf. John 16:8-11) The root of sin is unbelief. God speaks kindly to the heart, convincing sinners they have been given the credit of God's righteousness - unconditional forgiveness. It is God's work, and his means is the ministry of the gospel.
The full kindness of God is beyond our ability to comprehend. (this morning's sermon)
Notes from 9-13-2009 Sermon – Idolatry
Hosea 2:8-13
Idolatry's Punishment
== Israel's Sin ==
- (v. 8a) Deepest ingratitude: (They do not know.) God had lavished wealth on Israel, but their hearts were so hardened in sin, they did not recognize that it was God. (cf. Hebrews 3:13, 2 Cor 4:4) Wealth is dangerous, but poverty is not a virtue. The issue is your heart. (v. 13) "She forgot me."
- (v. 8b) Most offensive use: They turned their unmerited blessings and used them openly in betrayal. Idolatry is in the heart. 'Do you misuse blessings by looking TO them for your joy, rather than looking THROUGH them for your joy?' (cf. Prov 22:2)
- It is the converted heart that causes genuine worship. It can not be codified through extra-biblical rules and laws.
== God's Response ==
- (v. 9, 12) He will remove their blessings to get their attention.
- (v. 10) He will bring public humiliation to demonstrate his power and the impotence of their false gods. Not all humbling is a response to sin. Occasionally it is to bring about maturity.
- (v. 11) He destroys false worship. Why do you go to church? (cf. Amos 8:5)
- (v. 13) Imagery (not meant to be legalistically interpreted) of a wife dressing up erotically for an affair, rather than for her husband. (cf. Ezekiel 16:10-13)
Christ has adorned us with grace. We are married into royalty. Repent of spiritual adultery.
Sermon Notes: God’s Kindness and Love – Titus 3:4
*** Intro ***
Titus 3:1-2 = Conduct of the Changed
- Ready for the good deed. Be peaceful. Show every consideration for all men, as much as possible. Titus 2:11-14 = Grace of our God.
Titus 3:3 = Conduct of the Unchanged
- Foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved, envious.
- All of these things, the saved once were.
*** The Hope of God’s Kindness and Love ***
Titus 3:4
Romans 5:8
Sermon Notes: Resting – Mark 6:30-32
5/31/2007. AM service. Jeff Noblit.
It is biblical to rest from ministry. It can be prideful to think that you do not need rest.
*** The Commission for the Disciples ***
Integrity. (Mark 6:30) The disciples reported everything they had *done* - not just what they taught. We ought to be doing what we are teaching. Today there is a lot of great writing (a lot of bad too), but the doing seems disproportionately behind - even though we are getting good instruction.
Accountability. (1 Corinthians 4:3 "It's a small thing that I'm examined by you.") (Mark 6:7 - the disciples were sent out two by two.) (Ecclesiastes 4:9) (Proverbs 27:17)
*** The Concern for the Disciples ***
Mark 6:31 - As much of a command of the Lord as it was to go out a preach the gospel. The context is mostly preachers and preaching, but it applies to all saints. Some call it a hobby, or an escape, but really it is a mandated spiritual discipline.
We are encased in weak flesh. We have a limited physical capacity and a limited emotional capacity. Jeff: "You have to rest, or people don't want to be around you the next day. God does not have to rest, and he's wonderful everyday." (Genesis says God "rested" but this is an anthropomorphic illustration to say that God was done with the creation work. The Bible also says that he never rests.)
However, when the work gets tough, don't let this be an excuse to drop the work of the gospel first. Take all matters to the Lord and allow him to judge.
*** Conclusions for Practical Application ***
#1 - Get away WITH Jesus, not from Jesus. Don't let God only remind you of your work boots. Associate him with your slippers as well.
#2 - Don't turn yourself into a sloth. (Proverbs 6:6-11) (Mark 6:31 "... for a while")
#3 - Expect it to be difficult. Even as he went to rest, crowds would still follow Jesus. We probably won't have that problem. We may deal with guilt.
#4 - You can take mini breaks to draw closer to God while separating from the world.
Notes from 2-20-2009 Sermon – Brokenness
Where does depression hurt? It hurts everywhere. It's like the 'Check Engine' light is on, and we've learned how to break the light. We have no sense of being crushed under our own sin. Instead, we try to remove that weight.
Unbiblical, anti-truth:
- Rob Bell: "no need for brokenness"
- The Shack (endorsed by Eugene Patterson, and Steven Curtis Chapman): "God submits to, needs people."
- Rick Warren: "You don't have to tell people they're sinners; they already know this."
Psalms 51:1-19
"Blot out" - like the flood
"Wash me" - like on a washboard
"Cleanse me" - a ceremonial style
=== I ===
Ps 51:8
Brokenness is an appropriate response to sin because sin leaves behind 'scar tissue' - a mark on us. See Romans 7:23-24.
=== II ===
PS. 51:3
Brokenness is an appropriate response to sin so that _we_ don't forget our sins. God can forget, but _we_ can't. We must realize that sins create memories that stay with us. This is good because:
1. If you could forget your sins, you could never testify to the forgiveness of God!
2. If you could forget, you wouldn't be warned against doing them again. Imagine if we could forget that fire is hot...
3. If you could forget, you couldn't celebrate your victory over sin - our triumphs through Christ.
=== III ===
Revelation 19:11-16
Brokenness is appropriate response to sin because our sin is an affront to a holy God.
"People don't know that they're bad. They watch the nightly news and think that _those_ people are bad." Compare this to Rick Warren telling preachers that people already know they're sinners.
We need to be done with this image of Christ as a weak, needy, feeble guy. Revelation 19:11-16. He is a God capable of great wrath.
He demonstrates his own wrath when he poured it out on his own son! How dare we think that he would do that to his own son, but because we're "not that bad" he could never be that wrathful against us!
Unbiblical: "He wants you. He needs you. He's desperate for you. You're breaking his heart."
Biblical: "He's going to break you."
People come into church looking to be appeased, thinking they're owed something. Preachers are guilty of "trampling [his] courts" (Isaiah 1:10-18) when they hold these services that "target" sinners, gearing them towards a man-centric goal. These people say things like "_I_ prayed a prayer. _I_ have changed my ways." No. Preach the word!
=== IV ===
Brokenness is an appropriate response to sin because sin is a hindrance to the true worship of a holy God.
Ps. 51:7-10.
Worship is an outward expression of brokenness.
In some churches, they say brokenness is an inappropriate response to sin. They say "you're a Christian - you're forgiven." May it never be that we forget the weight of our sin. Brokenness is the _only_ appropriate response to sin. It's not to wallow and indulge in self-pitty (that would be just as wrong); it's not to make you feel bad. It's to get you in the place where you realize God's grace and glorify HIM.
In an of myself, all that I can do is continue to crumble under the weight of my own sin.
Notes from 2-19-2009 Sermon – Radical Depravity
Romans 3:9
=== I ===
There is no difference between ministers past and present, here or there. All are under sin. Compare Romans 3 to Genesis - a moral change took place in their beings; same today.
=== II ===
Romans 8:7 - People fall under two categories. Those whom are saved (the Spirit has fallen) and those in whom the Spirit has not worked (the unrepentant).
The unrepentant, unsaved: (a reminder) Hostile to God. Enemies of God. May be religious. May be church going people who worship a god of their own making. For example, may worship a god who doesn't mind that they are living in sin; a god who "tickles them" in the midst of their sin. Romans 8:8 - they _cannot_ please God.
=== III ===
Romans 3:10-18 is what God says about self-righteous Israel.
Human beings are in a state of mutiny.
Anecdote: We are like individuals who are blind and arguing about whether there is a sun or not, yet the very reason we are having this discussion is because we feel the suns rays! We can not see the full glory of God's face, but we certainly should recognize that he is there.
=== IV ===
It is to people in this state of rebellion that believers are called to preach - "repent or perish."
IMPORTANT: Why? We just said that they _can't_ turn from their sins. They can't please God. They are dead in their sin, and spiritual enemies against their God.
Truth: they _can't_ turn from their sins, this is to the glory of our God - it is his grace redeems them. So that when anyone repents and turns from sin, it can be entirely to the glory of God. This also demonstrates that God is not a passive savior of the past, but he is an active savior in the present, reaching out to sinners. It is in this goodness of God that is our hope. God knows who are his and, through the preaching of the gospel, will bring them to himself.
Related to the anecdote above: "It is in this pitch black darkness of depravity that God is saving souls."
=== V ===
Let us fill the church with unconverted pagans. God, let them hear the Word, and God be glorified.
Notes from 2-15-2009 Sermon – Seek the Lord
Media link: Video - Starts at 3:43 mark.
My thought: today, we behold the bare cross as a sight of hope and somber remembrance. In glory, we will behold the actual countenance of God in complete satisfaction.
Speaker: Conrad Mbewe - pastor from Zambia.
Psalms 2:1-12.
Psalms chapter 1 and 2 serve as introduction to Psalms. They weren't written first.
Psalms 1:1 starts with "Blessed."
Psalms 2:12 ends with "Blessed."
Because true human happiness is only found in God.
Psalms 1: Microscopic view.
Psalms 2: Macroscopic view.
Psalms 2 is divided like scenes from a play; 3 verses per scene.
* Psalms 2:1-3: (Video @ 48:59) God empowered David. David acted boldly because he knew that it was only by God's permission that he was empowered at all.
* Psalms 2:4-6: (Video @ 56:35) God laughed. Consider: Parents walking down hallway, listening to their children in their rooms plotting an overthrow. The parents can't help but laugh- they are plotting the overthrow of the their parents who own the house, bought the clothes, and paid the electric bill. It is laughable their desire to overthrow. The parents further realize that this behavior is wrong and sinful, and ground the children.
* Psalms 2:7-9: (Video @ 67:19) "Son" is talking. Compare these verses to Acts 13 talking about the resurrection. Don't attempt to judge God by the church or by the weaponry of the Gospel.
* Psalms 2:10-12: (Video @ 78:31) Listening to a town crier who is decreeing the news of the King so the people can relate appropriately. Message: "stop - you are headed to destruction."
Notes from 2-8-2009 Sermon – Remember
Anecdote: The church is in trouble. Adultery and worse. Believers suing others and arguing over pastor's pay, as a result the pastor takes no salary. Factions in the church - power struggles... Would you look to the church as a model? God did...
2 Corinthians 9:1-7
*** Principles of Giving ***
** Purpose of Offering **
* Missions (2 Corinthians 9:1)
History of the faith offering. Founder of (?) church: A.B. Simpson. Also, Dr. Oswald J. Smith of The People's Church in Toronto, Canada.
* Motivation (2 Corinthians 9:2)
To motivation Corinthians to give, and to use them as a model for Macedonians.
2 Corinthians 3:2 commentary: "The best proof of Paul's ministry validity."
Acts 17:11.
** Plan for Offering **
2 Corinthians 9:3 - Sent team ahead to prepare the people for the offering.
Titus (2 Cor 8:6,16), and two others (2 Cor 8:18-19,22).
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9.
Bro Jeff: "Did Paul lose his mind here? This is a very pragmatic - I don't even like that word in church - pragmatic approach... to getting people to give."
The Bible allows for great flexibility in how a church supports their ministry. "Give it all to the Lord" - don't make needs known - that's ok too. But so is Paul's pragmatic approach here.
** The provisions for the offering **
2 Corinthians 9:6-7.
Founded by men who faithfully tithed: Colgate, Heinz, J.C. Penny, Quaker Oats Cereal.
"If you can't give joyfully, don't give... Our God honors not the size of your gift, but the greatness of your sincerity."
* Moonlighting for missions
* Lifestyle adjustments for missions
... examples: coke a day, family eating out, turning cable off, not buying a boat.
* Caution: 'Money from nowhere' - if you really feel led to do so, giving on complete faith.
Notes from 2-1-2009 Sermon – Remember
Angels anecdote (grace).
Hebrews 13:7-8. Context: the people embraced Christ, but their culture was anti-Christ. They were asking themselves "Is this ok?"
How often have you sat down with someone who is backslidden and asked "How much time have you spent remembering?"
Jeremiah 6:16
"The chrurch should be reformed and always reforming back to the ancient paths."
Jeff: "I don't encourage alliteration in the outline, but this one just fell into place."
## 1: the divine office they held
Hebrews 13:7
Role of pastor: "lead" = guide / chief / governor. Bishop and overseer - same word.
1 timothy 3:1, Ephesians 4:11 (Pastor whose job is Teacher) (Whatever they have it's a gift given by God so they can give to the church.
The pastor is an extension of Christ's authority and rule - the office of Christ. (My thought: "mini pope?")
FBC Dallas, tx: "a benevolent dictator"
Matthew 20:25-28, 1 Peter 5:2, 2 timothy 4:2.
** "The pastor has no legislative power. The church doesn't even have a legislative branch. The legislation has been laid down... in the Bible... Someone should tell the Catholic church this."
Hebrews 13:7
Honor them not for their person but for their position - it's the office of power that God has ordained.
## 2: the doctrine doctrine they preached.
"Remember those who 'spoke' the word." the great business of the church is the speaking of the word of God.
2 Cor 4:2.
Some people piece together the Bible in a man centered way - this is adulterating the word.
Should be proper historical and grammatical context.
"The church shouldn't develop and appetite for clever, seasoned speech that is only sprinkled with the word of God."
1 Cor 2:1
## 3: Remember the discipleship they preached.
Acts 6:11-14, Acts 7:54-60
My thoughts: Proof that the office of pastor isn't, however, inerrant - Jeff: "More pastors read Spurgeon than any other book ever written."
Bro Jeff also says that a lot of the modern biographers skew the doctrinal beliefs of prominent calvinists because of the market favors non-calvinistic books right now.
Translated to Glory
Revelation 12:5-13
Revelation 7:14-17
## 4: Divine presence they possessed.
Immutability of God. Martyrs and heroes of the church's past had the power of Christ, and he's the same Christ today that he was then.
Jeff: "People say funny things about us. No, they say mean things about us, let's be honest." (because of the church's commitment to historical Baptist doctrines and uniqueness apart from others)
----
random Tollie thought:
What is the purpose served by the "audience cam"?
Is it to provide relevance, so that viewers can relate to and connect subconsciously with others in the church? If so, is this biblical? I don't know. The gathering of believers is certainly black-and-white ordained. The question is "why" is it ordained. Perhaps part of the reason for gathering together is that there is a tangible rationale - sociological reinforcement that others are also participating, which leads to greater participation and involvement. If so, digitally, the audience cam may be a way to help augment the subconscious sociological influences, thus digitally providing more of the "nutrition" provided by attending a biblical church than would be provided by preaching alone.
On the other hand, is it for aesthetics alone? If so, then this is biblical as God is certainly pleased by Christ honoring art (like the art of music used in musical worship), but I would contend that perhaps this aesthetic worship is better provided for by the artful portion of worship (the singing/music), and not necessary during the preaching/teaching portion of worship.
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