The church is full (the church being Dr. MacArthur’s church, Grace Community Church in Sun Valley). I’m fascinated at the diversity, young and old, suits and shorts. There are even a few of us nerds with our laptops, taking notes, trying to capture thoughts and impressions along with the messages.
Dr. Horton was the first speaker, opening with “The Church Cries “Uncle” (“Sam” that is).” He addressed the state of the church in America today and offered statistics on what most Americans believe anymore.
What does it mean to be born-again if Jesus Christ hasn’t risen from the dead? A subjective affair between the individual and his own construct of God is the extent of Christianity for many. Horton recalled growing up in Van Nuys going to church and having Sunday lunches. His extended family now happily converses about New Age spirituality and other fads. The conversation must remain shallow — spirituality is fine, but being "fenced in" by organized religion is unwelcome. We want it on our terms.
We’re enthusiastic, pragmatic consumers in our beliefs. But it’s not about us.
Up next was Dr. MacArthur who spoke on “Becoming a Better You.” He talked of books like “The Secret” and “The Shack” (yeah, I know… another basher…) and their common storyline that we are sufficiently capable of creating our own reality. We are in charge of providence.
He didn’t mince words when addressing those who promote the idea that you can create your best life now. He said those who believe they can create their best life now will get just that. Their life now will be much better than in the next life.
He then took 1Peter 1:3-5 and broke it down to show the basis for focusing on our best life later.
There was a brief break before the first Q&A with Dr’s MacArthur and Horton, moderated by Dr. Sproul. I won’t go into detail here and just provide the link to a more detailed description.
We were released to dinner and I managed to find a little Thai restaurant overflowing with people from the conference waiting to be seated. I walked up to the counter and asked for takeout. I was pleasantly surprised to find a dish that I tried when I was in Thailand and so I ordered it. I even had opportunity to talk to the gentleman behind the counter about that trip. Once I got my order I told him I would probably be back the next day and after eating the dish, I know I will go back. It brought back wonderful memories of my trip to Thailand.
I got back to the conference and settled in for the last session of the evening. Dr. Sproul presented “Good Advice or Good News,” about Jesus and the rich young man in the Gospel of Mark, dealing with the relationship between law and gospel.
Dr. Sproul talked of the early church and the discussions dealing with the value of the law now that the gospel was here. He spoke of Calvin delineating the functions of the law, the first function being that the law is a mirror that reflects to us the Character of God. It reveals God’s righteousness and acts as a school mistress to drive us to the gospel.
In Mark’s account, Jesus, by preaching the law to the young man, was driving the young man to the Good News, “follow me.” The man left dejectedly because he wasn’t willing to give up what he had, much like many in the church today.
And the session and the day was over. I am now back at my daughter’s to finish this post and rest before beginning anew with Day Two of the conference tomorrow. Good night and God bless.
All Things Elda 