Iron Sharpening Iron!!

I've been wrestling with some "project" to get into recently - I should explain that I don't like being bored. This is why in the past I've embarked on transcribing sermons or lectures I love like Ern Baxter or Terry Virgo or Rob Rufus. I've loved transcribing some of the panel discussions from the Bethlehem Conference for Pastors. Ern always used to say that for every book he read he agreed with, he would read two or three or more that he disagreed with - to spark his thought processes and get him thinking.

I decided to take a leaf out of his book but with transcribing. I've heard vaguely about the "Resolved" conference run by John MacArthur's church in the USA - but have never listened to any sessions. This past conference held a panel discussion and I decided that could be my perfect opportunity. The participants are all men that - well I wouldn't say I am a fan of.

1. John MacArthur - I don't like his anti-charismatic venom or his eschatology or his ecclesiology particularly.

2. Al Mohler - I respect his intellect and massively envy his library (!) but don't like his pneumatology greatly.

3. C J Mahaney - well, most will know what I think of this bloke thus far.

But I resolved (pun intended) to listen and to learn and to disagree - if necessary but above all to think. So far - I'm 40 minutes into the discussion and am finding it really interesting. I love the committed vision for the Gospel. Each of the speakers have a passion to get the gathered 18 to 30's there to see the true wonder and glory of the Gospel - and that is encouraging. Okay - so I am not quite so keen on a few comments - but by and large I am so grateful for this resource and conference - and so glad that I opened my far-too closed mind to hear this resource.

Here is the link for any who want to listen or watch it - and hopefully the transcript will be done shortly!

Keynote Panel Questions and Answers from Resolved on Vimeo.

Why I LOVE Conversations!!

I do recognise that for many Ephesians 4 Ministries it is preaching that is the primary gifting and is the reason why I spend so much time transcribing what these men preach and say. However I do have a great interest in seeing these very same ministries sitting down in a more informal context and discussing matters. I remember actually it was a Panel Discussion between John Piper, James Montgomery Boice, C J Mahaney and David Bryant at the Bethlehem Conference in 1999 that was the very FIRST thing I ever transcribed!

So I was interested to find this video clip of John Piper and John MacArthur being interviewed by Justin Taylor;



I must admit - watching this video clip and bearing in mind my previous comments about John MacArthur - I have been considering something that I'd appreciate thoughts and comments on. I still believe John MacArthur is being dishonest to Scripture by saying things about the work of the Holy Spirit. If that's right and true then he is quenching the Holy Spirit by stating so unequivocally that to pursue the gifts of the Spirit is purposeless and presumptious, then will MacArthur still have anointing on his preaching? God is surely so gracious and as long as MacArthur earnestly seeks Him, then I think that he would. But ... it's a case of missing out on the dynamic power of the Kingdom - and not using all that God has so lavishly provided.

All that aside - I am still not going to bypass a chance to hear these two men in conversation. I'm just trying to think through how we can convince Rob Rufus to sit down and have a public discussion and engage many issues that fascinate us all!