Interesting quote from the first chapter of Michael Horton’s soon to be released book, Christless Christianity:

What would things look like if Satan really took control of a city? Over a half century ago, Presbyterian minister Donald Grey Barnhouse offered his own scenario in his weekly sermon that was also broadcast nationwide on CBS radio. Barnhouse speculated that if Satan took over Philadelphia, all of the bars would be closed, pornography banished, and pristine streets would be filled with tidy pedestrians who smiled at each other. There would be no swearing. The children would say, “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am,” and the churches would be full every Sunday . . . where Christ is not preached.

What is Barnhouse’s point?  Where Christ is not preached, religion is preached.  Where Christ is not preached self righteousness reigns.  The Evil One would be very content for people to trust in their own morality, their own record and not flee to Christ.  Barnhouse reinforces the idea that Christians not only repent of their sin but also of their self-righteousness.

This past week I attended the Ligonier Pastor’s Conference in Orlando, Fl.  This was an excellent week of fellowship and encouragment.  We heard multiple times from R.C. Sproul, Sinclair Ferguson (Sr. Pastor of First Presbyterian of Columbia, SC), and Steve Lawson (Sr. Pastor of Christ Fellowship Baptist in Mobile, Al).  In addition to preaching/teaching there were several Q & A sessions- which are always a highlight.  We were fed extremely well- I’m hesitant to get on the scale!  We were also housed quite comfortably in the Marriott of Lake Mary.  A particular highlight for me was to spend those days with my best friend from seminary, Ty Blackburn.  Ty pastors the Providence Church in Duluth, GA where he has been for 15 years.  Ty and his wife, Patti, were our neighbors at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS and Connie and I were especially close to them both.

What did I learn?  I reviewed my notes just this morning.  I think the main thing I came away with was to keep the main thing the main thing.  What do I mean by that?  What was continually stressed was to preach the gospel faithfully through the regular exposition of Scripture. Read the rest of this entry »

Not much on this blog in the way of insightful posts, I realize.  Recently all that’s been given are links to stuff I like.  Well, here we go again.  R.C. Sproul is interviewed by Michael Horton for the White Horse Inn.  Check it out:

(HT:  Ligonier Ministries)

One of our commitments here at HLPC is to expository preaching.  This flows from our commitment to the inspiration and authority of the Bible.  J.I. Packer gives a great definition of what we mean by expository preaching that you can read HERE.

(HT:  ESV Blog)