Patrick and I had the privilege of attending the Connecting Home and Church Conference over the weekend. I have been to several conferences at Southern--all of which were great, but this one was by far the very best! Great worship, great speakers, great teaching, and fully applicable to our family and the families we minister to weekly. While there is no way to recap in full detail what we came away with for the weekend, here are a few of our thoughts.
1. The only hope we have in ministering to broken people and living lives honoring to God is the Gospel. Nothing more, nothing less.
2. One of my favorite quotes from the weekend is this: “The Gospel gives people the opportunity to recover and pursue God’s perfect design from wherever they are.” What a true statement of the grace that comes through salvation! The Gospel sets people free from the futile pursuit of trying to earn favor with God—in Christ, we are given His righteousness. Our salvation is eternally secure, not because of what we do or not do, but because of what Christ fully and finally accomplished at the cross.
3. “All effective Christian parenting begins and ends through the lens of the Gospel.” -Bill Farley (notes from his lecture a-d)
a. Parenting should be God-ward, not child-centered. The context of the home is the primary place where discipleship should occur…not Christian schools and not church.
b. Children need to see their parents model humility and graciousness. There is no such thing as a ‘perfect parent.’ Admit your mistakes humbly and point to the Gospel. God will use parental failings—even more than your successes—because it is then He is most glorified.
c. Discipline issues that arise in parenting must be met aggressively, but with graciousness and compassion at the same time. The heart issues children face (selfishness, complaining, anger, bitterness, etc.) are the same issues adults face. It is remembering what Christ accomplished in our place on the cross that motivates us to show grace, compassion, and mercy even while disciplining ungodly behavior.
d. The primary role of a parent is to prepare their child for the day of judgment. God is in charge of the results of our labors…we are only responsible for being faithful with that which He entrusts to us.
4. Another favorite quote, “The entire point of discipline is to take ungodly appetites—regardless of how big or small it is—and help them shape and restrain it.” --Russell Moore
5. A favorite new song…such a testimony of the truths of the Gospel and a challenge to live life to make His name known…
I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way.
The sin that promised joy and life, had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own a rebel to Your will.
The sin that promised joy and life, had led me to the grave.
I had no hope that You would own a rebel to Your will.
And if You had not loved me first, I would refuse You still.
But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost.
You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed, You suffered in my place.
You bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace!
You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross.
And I beheld God’s love displayed, You suffered in my place.
You bore the wrath reserved for me, now all I know is grace!
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone and live so all might see.
The strength to follow Your commands could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose!
And let my song forever be my only boast is You!
The strength to follow Your commands could never come from me.
Oh Father, use my ransomed life in any way You choose!
And let my song forever be my only boast is You!
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ!
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life!
Again, super-condensed! Within the next few weeks Southern should have the audio posted online...check in and listen for yourself!
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