Which conference speaker watches that PBS program where people bring stuff from their dusty attics to a showroom, only to find out that Uncle John’s tin can belonged to Stonewall Jackson and is worth $12-14 grand?
Which conference speaker has a preacher-squirrel figurine in his study named ‘Whitefield’?
Mark Dever is back this year. [Insert outbreak of cheers] I’m sure we could list off a bunch of things - 9 would be a great number for such a list - about this prospect that excite us. To keep this brief, I’ll just include a finger sampling (thumb not included). Mark’s sermons and writings regularly edify my soul and have helped me ...
1. ...grow in my love for God’s Word. I’ve been going through his book, The Message of the Old Testament, this year. It has been immensely helpful. I love how he helps me to see the big picture - how each biblical book relates to the overall movement of God’s purposes in salvation.
2. ...see how the gospel is our message for the world and for each other, as fellow Christians. It is all our evangelism, all our counsel, our stability in suffering, our motivation for obedience, and our confidence and hope for the future.
3. ...realize that rigorous study of Scripture and a passion to evangelize are not mutually exclusive. I love hearing how Mark intentionally looks for ways to go to the same Subway and the same barber so that over time he can share the good news with those who don’t know Christ.
4. ...cultivate gratefulness for the everyday glories of being a part of the local church. Again these aren’t unique to Mark, among the main session speakers, but here again, this man loves the local church. I’ve heard Mark give dozens of messages. I’ve only heard him get “choked up” twice: once while he was reading a quote from Charles Spurgeon on the experience of caring for church members who were on the brink of death. The other was when Mark told his audience (at a seminary) that that coming weekend he would be celebrating 15 years of ministry at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. His heart for the people and sense of gratefulness to God for the privilege of serving them continue to affect me deeply.
Well that’s enough from me. Some favorite Dever sermons/book/article/interview recommends are most welcome here. Whatcha got?
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