Shepherd's Conference 2009 Session III

Our time at Shepherds’ Conference has been great so far. The men here are amazing. They spur me on to greater heights. I only wish that I could be worthy of even tying these men’s boots. It is incredible to hear how God has used the men here to impact this world for the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If only God uses me in even a small way compared to these men!

I watch John MacArthur who says that he is living heaven on earth. It is incredible to hear about his family. He comes from a long line of faithfulness that extends to his grandchildren. I only hope that my life will in some small way compare to him.

John MacArthur is now speaking about his life at Grace Church. He is talking about his desire to find out what the New Testament has to say about the church. He tells us that this desire galvanized his preaching ministry. He says that he started preaching about lordship salvation, the true Christian, and the glory of God…he hasn’t stop preaching about these things in forty years. John MacArthur says that his ministry is guided by the following truths…essential foundations for the church:

I. The Absolute Authority of Scripture
a. We all come under the Authority of the Word of God
i. 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 2:16, John 17:17, 2 Timothy 4:2-3
II. The Church is the Congregation of Worshippers
a. As Christians, we are worshippers of the true and living God! The Father is seeking true worshippers. Transcendent worship comes from deep understanding!
III. Doctrinal Clarity
a. Clarity translates into conviction. The things that people understand will be believed and loved.
IV. Spiritual Discernment
a. It is absolutely critical that the Body of Christ have Spiritual Discernment
i. 1 Thessalonians 5:19, Acts 17
V. The Church is to Pursue Holiness
a. This is not a popular notion in the church. This concept is not to be mixed up with legalism. Legalism is a false paradigm of sanctification and does not lead to true holiness.
i. Matthew 18…church discipline
VI. Godly Leaders
a. There is a need to develop godly leaders. Someone has to produce godly men as leaders. There needs to be a plurality of men who teach and lead as under-shepherds of Christ!
i. 2 Timothy 2:2
VII. Discipleship
a. People need to be faithfully taught!
VIII. Unity
a. The church is to marked by Love (1 Corinthians 1:10)
b. The one another’s of the new testament are to practiced
IX. Marked by Faithful Prayer
a. The church needs to be a group of prayer warriors!
X. Marked by Sacrificial Giving
a. People need to be taught which leads to sacrificial giving!
XI. Marked by Evangelism
a. We are here on the earth to evangelize! Evangelism is the whole purpose of the church!