TGC Conference: Bryan Chapell

The sixth talk of the Gospel Coalition Conference was given by Bryan Chapell. Dr. Chapell was another speaker who I knew little about going into the conference but came away thirsting for more of his biblical teaching.

Bryan Chapell is the president of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis since 1994. He teaches a class at the seminary named Christ-Centered Preaching and has even written a book with the same title. They encompass some of the most biblically faithful and powerful teaching on preaching available today.

Dr. Chapell's talk was entitled Preach the Word! from 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5. The main point of his talk was this: God is still in the business of speaking today... through His Word. He makes this point beautifully when he connects the preaching of the Word with God's voice. He says that when preachers truly preach the Word of God, they are not only preaching about Jesus or for Jesus. No, they are preaching as Jesus. It is a powerful reflection on the very essence of the Bible that we hold in our hands daily. As Augustine says, "When the Bible speaks, God speaks." Here are the audio and video of this session. Pay special attention to the story of the young girl in youth group. It was especially moving for me.

Plan B and It's Effects on America

Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, has a sadly informative article on a federal court's decision to direct the FDA to make Plan B (commonly referred to as the morning-after pill) available to all women 17 years of age and older over-the-counter. Here's an excerpt of his conclusions about this decision.

"One key insight into the paper's ideology: Note the references in both editorials and news reports to the claim that evidence proves that young girls "can use the pills safely." Clearly, the paper means to speak of medical safety. But what about other aspects of these girls' lives? Is it morally safe? Spiritually safe? Safe to a tender heart?

No, the main issue in the FDA policy is this -- safe from parental supervision. The morning after pill is now a potent symbol of the end of parenthood as we know it."

Read the rest of the article.

TGC Conference: K. Edward Copeland

The fifth session of the Gospel Coalition Conference was given by K. Edward Copeland. This was another pastor that I was not aware of until this conference, and I came away glad to have met him for the first time. Preaching with fervor and spirit, he has a heart to see the power of the gospel transform lives everywhere.

K. Edward Copeland is the senior pastor of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Rockford, IL. He is the author of Riding in the Second Chariot. And for those who are wondering why Pastor Copeland does not use his first name, email me.

Pastor Copeland's talk was entitled Shadowlands: Pitfalls and Parodies of Gospel-Centered Ministry from 2 Timothy 3:1-9. The main point of his talk was this: Though there is Godlessness in these last days, nothing can thwart the power of the gospel. Here are the audio and video of this session. Get ready for the fire!

TGC Coalition: Mark Driscoll

The fourth session of the Gospel Coalition Conference was given by Mark Driscoll. Though branded as controversial and crude, Pastor Mark is deeply committed to following Christ and preaching his cross amidst opposition in one of the most unchurched cities in all of America. He has even had a man rush the pulpit with machete in hand.

Mark Driscoll is pastor of one of the fastest growing churches in America, Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. He is president of the Acts 29 church planting network and has founded The Resurgence - a missional theological coop that "resources multiple generations to live for Jesus" with theologically correct and culturally relevant media. Check out MarsHillChurch.org and TheResurgence.com for Driscoll's sermons, essays, and many more theologically correct and culturally relevant resources. He is the author of nine (soon to be ten) different books, including Vintage Jesus, Death by Love, and, most recently, Vintage Church.

Driscoll's talk was entitled Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth from 2 Timothy 2:14-26. His talk was mainly addressed to pastors, but many of his points still apply to all Christians everywhere. The main point of his talk was how to discover and positively respond to the negatives (people in your church who have a negative influence on many others in the church) in your ministry. Here are the audio and video of the talk. One word of caution: Laughter to ensue.

TGC Conference: Phil Ryken

The third session of the Gospel Coalition Conference was given by Phil Ryken. Before the conference, I had never really heard of Dr. Ryken. I'd heard his name in passing and maybe on a few books, but that was really it. Man, was I ever missing out!

Dr. Ryken is the Senior Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA. He has authored many books including He Speaks to Me Everywhere and The Message of Salvation. Don Carson has even referred to him as one of the greatest expositors of Scripture the church has the privilege of knowing today.

Ryken's talk was entitled The Pattern of Sound Words from 2 Timothy 1:13-2:13. The main point of this session was that Paul was calling Timothy to remain faithful to doctrine and practice in his ministry. Therefore, so should we - whatever our ministry may be. Be sure to hone in on the last part of his talk where he addresses our faithlessness and God's faithfulness (2 Timothy 2:11-13). It's a solid reminder that the gospel is needed not only for non-Christians, but Christians as well. Here are the audio and video for you to enjoy.

TGC Conference: John Piper

The second session of the Gospel Coalition Conference was given by a personal icon of mine, John Piper. Driven by his passion for the supremacy of Christ in all things, Dr. Piper stamped his mantra on the hearts of men and women around the globe: "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." Not only does he faithfully lead and shepherd his own flock at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN, but he is also building up a generation of men, women, pastors, and laymen around the globe who long to see God glorified through the gospel of Christ.

John Piper has written dozens of books, all of which you should read in your lifetime (I'm still working on that). His more infamous titles include Desiring God, The Pleasures of God, and his most recent release, Finally Alive. All of Dr. Piper's sermons, essays, manuscripts, and books are available online at DesiringGod.org at no cost to the user.

Piper's talk at the TGC Conference was entitled Feed the Flame of God's Gift: Unashamed Courage in the Gospel from 2 Timothy 1:1-12. His main encouragement throughout the whole talk was this: "Keep feeding the flame of God's gift in you - namely, unashamed courage to speak openly of Christ and to suffer for the gospel." He then continues on to explain that the flame of this gift (courage) is dependent on the feeding of it and the feeding of it is dependent on God's grace. The audio and video can both be found here.

One final note. If you have ever struggled with the fear of proclaiming the gospel and suffering for it, keep a box of tissues nearby. This message will mess you up... in a good way.

TGC Conference: Tim Keller

The first session of The Gospel Coalition Conference was given by Tim Keller. If you don't already know Pastor Keller, I suggest you get to know him... fast! Be sure to check out his page on Monergism.com. Monergism has many free sermons, manuscripts, and resources all by Keller himself.

Here is a brief synopsis of this highly influential pastor. He is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, New York. According to Christianity Today, the church is "one of Manhattan's most vital congregations." He has written five books which include The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, and one due out in October, Counterfeit Gods. All of them come highly recommended.

Keller's talk was entitled The Grand Demythologizer: The Gospel and Idolatry. The main point of his talk was this: "Without challenging the idols of our day, effective gospel ministry cannot happen." He then went on to discuss how to discern, expose, and destroy idols. Here is the audio and video for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

The Gospel Coalition: Overview

For the past 3 days, I have been at the Gospel Coalition Conference 2009. It was, unashamedly, one of the most edifying, emotional, and powerful experiences I have had in a long time. Therefore, I want to make sure that I share that with you.

But before I do that, it might help to know what exactly The Gospel Coalition is. Tim Challies has a helpful post entitled What Is the Gospel Coalition? Here is an excerpt describing what the Gospel Coalition is not.

Sometimes it is easier to define something from the perspective of what it
is not. This may help alleviate confusion by allowing us to see what roles
this organization does not intend to play. And in this case we will find
that The Gospel Coalition is not a church and that it is not a denomination.
It seeks to support both churches and denominations but to exist separately
from them. It is wider than denominations even while acknowledging that
denominations must continue to exist. It seeks to support the local church
without replacing it.

It is also not a replacement for anything. It seeks to exist alongside
Together for the Gospel (which is why they have conferences on alternating
years) and the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. It exists alongside
churches and denominations.

The Gospel Coalition is also not a conference. It does (at least at the moment) have a large conference every two years, but this is only a part of what it is and what it does.

In the net few days, I'll post the audio and video from each of the sessions.