Here’s part 1 of some of my favorite quotes from the main sessions and breakout seminars of last week’s Shepherds’ Conference:

“God embraces those who separate themselves [from the world]” — John MacArthur

“God chose a foolish message, method, and messengers to demolish all human pride” — Tom Pennington

“Preachers, you can’t be clever, and Christ be mighty to save” — James Denny, quoted by Tom Pennington

“Do not think that Jesus did the same thing on the cross for all those who are in hell as for all those who are in heaven…Unless we’re universalists, we all believe in limited atonement. The only question is whether we limit it, or God limits it” — John MacArthur

“Christ’s aim is not to keep His soldiers from danger, but to equip them for it” — Rick Holland

“Hypocrisy is hiding your sins from the faithful, or hiding your faith from sinners” — Rick Holland

“Hell is truth learned too late” — cited by Rick Holland

“Satan is not the captain of hell. He is the chief captive of hell” — Rick Holland

“There are no little people, no little places, and no little sermons” — Al Mohler

“There is only one ‘faith.’ Theology is not lego bricks we can tear apart and put together when we get tired” — Phil Johnson

Today’s evangelicals favor feminine themes. ‘Let’s talk about our emotional hurts. Our personal relationships. Our felt needs. We’re hurting people.’ And the church has begun to look weak and effeminate, frightened, sissified, like a bunch of fops and milksops. And we’re supposed to be soldiers. We are told relentlessly that we have to be “always agreeable no matter what,” you know? Seeker sensitive. Gender neutral. Effervescent. Transparent. Sentimental. And delicate in everything we say and do. Those sound like rules for figure skaters, not warriors.” — Phil Johnson

Part 2 of this post will appear on Friday.

This has just been announced by California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief…

We want to put together two more teams to serve in Haiti.

First Team:  Medical team: 2 MDs, 2 RNs, 1 pharmacist, one chaplain (CISM), and 2 others (LVNs, paramedics, or more RNs)
Dates needed:   April 14-20

Second Team:  Demolition: (Does not need DR training) 5 strong men (be able to swing a sledge with no problem), 1 chaplain (CISM), 1 EMT or nurse. This team must go in totally self-contained (tent for rainy weather, sleep bag or sheets, heater meals and snacks, Water bottle, hand towel for showering under a bucket, two changes of clothes, and heavy work boots. It is to plan to go back-packing for 7 days. Don Hargis will be the team leader for this team
Dates needed:  April 17-24. 

To volunteer for one of these teams, please contact Judi Cook, our Off-site coordinator by e-mailing disasterrelief@csbc.com

Ever wonder if you should keep that old bank statement? Tax return? Employment application? Insurance policy?

The Getting Things Done blog has made a helpful list of how long to hold on to paperwork. This could be a valuable reference for both family and church records.

Happy shredding!

Shepherd’s Conference is going great. Phil Johnson just preached on 1 Corinthians 16, “Be alert. Stand fast in the faith. Act like men. Be strong.” He was really on fire this morning, full of passion and wit in the true style of Spurgeon, challenging all of us to be men of character.

I’ve had a chance this week to catch up with many college, seminary, and Placerita Baptist friends, and to make some new friends from places like Chico, Texas, and Mexico. A recurring theme for me has been to keep Christ at the very center of my ministry and worship. My life and ministry are all by His strength, because of His sacrifice, and for His supreme glory.

Later I will share later some of my favorite quotes from the conference.