My thoughts from today are going to seem very simple. It may seem to some that it is a cop out for writing something lengthy at this late hour. Today did not lack its moments of excitement, laughter, and fellowship. Connecting with old friends and new ones has been a highlight of the entire event. The Word was opened wonderfully and effectively by several throughout the day. Day two has lived up to my expectations and moved beyond them in many ways.

But what I want to give you tonight is not an overview of the day. What I want you to know is that my heart was deeply challenged through the teaching of the Word, brought by John Piper tonight. I will not overview or repeat all that was said tonight, for that is not my purpose nor my place to do so. So with that said what will follow is a final thought from Piper and the lyrics from the song we sang following the statement. Meditate on these things. Think them through. Allow them to help you see Jesus in a desperate way. Let the tears well up. May it impact your heart at least a fraction of way it did mine.

“What horrible person died at the moment of my conversion?” ~Piper

All I Have Is Christ (Sovereign Grace Praise)

VERSE 1
I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still

VERSE 2
But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace

CHORUS
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life

VERSE 3
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You

“Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life”

Lord Jesus, thank you.

I am exhausted! Let me just start right there. Between the 4:00am wake-up time to get here, the almost 6 miles walked (according to my Apple Watch #crushedmygoals), and the amazing but exhausting time or worship and listening to the Word preached; I am beat.

But let me tell you, it has all been worth it! This is my first experience at being physically present at the T4G conference. I have participated online but never have I actually been here with around 10,000 other believers praising God and growing through the preaching of the Word. The singing alone has challenged my soul with moments of great joy and brokenness. Let me give you just a taste of what we were testifying to one another in song.

“Looking to Christ, who condescended, Took on flesh to ransom us…Christ, the great and sure fulfillment Of the law, in Him we stand…Bringing many sons to glory, Grace unmeasured, love untold…Christ in power resurrected, As we will be, when He comes.” ~Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery (Hymn 184, Hymns of Grace)

We had three good speakers today. But the message that stood out to me was C.J. Mahaney speaking on suffering from the book of Job. Mahaney spoke with a pastoral passion that can only be expressed from a man who has felt suffering that has led to questioning God’s motives. Job made this same mistake along with many of us who have faced the dark and cold loneliness and terror of suffering. But as it was for Job, so it is for us. We must see the magnitude of who God is, in order for us to bow at His feet in humble submission to his omniscient sovereignty.

“Grace to bow down to the God who is God…Job doesn’t want anything else but God. That is enough…Only one remedy for sin and its consequences…someone truly innocent must suffer. His name was Jesus.” ~C.J. Mahaney

What is amazing is that Jesus came to save us from our sin. I am amazed. Why me?

“The great mystery is not why we suffer, it is, why would the sinless Son of God take our place?” ~C.J. Mahaney

And so, it is for this purpose I am here. To be encouraged through the fellowship of the conference, but to also be humbled at the feet of my Savior as I am reminded of His humility that led Him to the cross on my behalf. The punishment that caused my Savior to drown in the wrath of His Father and to feel a separation by the Trinity that had never and will never occur again.

Day one: Complete!

Lord Jesus, thank you.