We’re back again today with additional highlights from the 2017 Shepherds’ Conference—there were more than we could fit into one post. While all the sessions from the conference were God-honoring and excellent, here are a few that stood out to staff at Grace to You.
“If the World Hates You: Preaching Christ in the Face of Hostility” (John 15:18-16:4)
Al Mohler
“Jesus calls you to be hated, persecuted, and even killed.” That is not the way we generally describe the Christian life, but in this sobering message, Dr. Mohler shows how Jesus prepared His disciples for hostility from the world, and that we should expect no less if we follow Him faithfully. It is important to grasp the implications of the truth that Christ has overcome the world, so that we do not loose heart and shrink back from the task to which He has called us. – Wayne de Villiers
“The Head of the Church” (Colossians 1:15-23)
Mark Dever
Every year at Shepherds’ Conference, the most difficult task is identifying the best moment. This year, I’d say the pinnacle for me was Mark Dever’s exposition of Colossians 1:15-23. One of the finest preachers of his generation, Dever clearly laid out the dangers of remaking God in one’s own image—effectively creating an idol that distracts from true, biblical worship—and he passionately extolled the majesty and sufficiency of Christ. This powerful message will enrich and exalt your worship of Christ. – Eric Dodson
“Around the Throne: The Heavenly Witness of the Redeemed to the Work of the Lamb” (Revelation 4-5)
Conrad Mbewe
What could have made the apostle John weep greatly as he surveyed the scene in heaven? In this exhilarating exposition of Revelation 4 and 5, Conrad Mbewe gives us insight into John’s tears. Moreover, he sets the glory of Jesus Christ in bold relief against that pensive moment, as heaven bursts forth in worship of the Lamb who has been slain, but who is now exalted above all rule and authority. This majestic presentation of our Savior lifts our minds to catch a glimpse His splendor in heaven, and to join those around the throne in awestruck worship. – Wayne de Villiers
“Seeing Christ in All of Scripture?”
Abner Chou
In Abner Chou’s first seminar, he described how we are to read the Old Testament the way Jesus did. He began by explaining how a typological hermeneutic—reading the New Testament back onto the Old Testament in such a way so as to find pictures of Jesus in every passage—does not do honor to Christ or Scripture. The most effective way to read the Old Testament is to read it as Jesus did. Jesus read it literally, explaining how the Old Testament prophecies pointed to Him. He affirmed the authors’ original intent, following the logic of what it was they were saying about the Messiah. And He affirmed the history of the Old Testament, paying close attention to interconnected details that revealed the fulfillment of covenant promises that support God’s plan of redemption. In the same way, Christians should follow His example of proclaiming Christ from the Old Testament. – Fred Butler