Next week, Main Street!

Well, it's nearly conference time. I was just watching the video Andrew and I compiled of the preachers from last year's gathering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uB0-ZuYYT8I

The 25th Anniversary of the Sovereign Grace Conference gathers next week (Aug. 4-8, 2008) and, Lord willing, I'll be preaching during the morning session on Wednesday, Aug. 6. I'm really looking forward to it, but it will be bittersweet. The conference this year is dedicated to the memory of its founder, Elder D.J. Ward. Every time I've ever stood in that pulpit, I've been able to look to my right and see Elder sitting there, calling out encouragements, or rising to his feet to get close to the preaching and push the preacher to tell the whole truth. It will be strange not having him there.

But, it will also be a year of re-establishing our fellowship and commitment to the conference. I look forward to the many friends I only get to see when we gather this way. And I am truly anticipating the opportunity to sit and listen to the grace of God extolled by men much more skilled than myself.

So, if you can make, come by! There's no entrance fee and you'll be treated like family. And, if you do come visit, make sure to find me and say hello. I'll be the bald one. :-)

Oh, an remember to visit the conference website:

www.sovereigngracebibleconference.org

It's Nearly Conference Time!

As hard as it is to believe, another year has rushed past and it's nearly time to gather in Lexington, KY. for the 25th annual Sovereign Grace Bible Conference at Main Street Baptist Church. You can find all the details, including the preaching schedule, local hotels, mp3's from last year, registration info, and even T-shirts here:

http://www.sovereigngracebibleconference.org/


Lord willing, I'll be preaching Wednesday morning. This is my fourth year in the pulpit and, if Michelle needs me, my second year banging around on the drums. I always look forward to the first week in August because it not only promises to be a great week of teaching and gospel preaching, but it's an opportunity to gather with friends and brethren whom I simply do not get to see enough of. It's a time to refresh, rebuild, and be fed (both literally and spiritually).


Also, I want to once again thank Phil at Reformed Voices for his continued support of our efforts at GCA. He has linked to many of our preaching series and has even constructed a new banner that is as humbling as it is complimentary.

From left to right, that's Alistair Begg, C.H. Spurgeon, James White, John Piper, myself, John MacArthur, and Paul Washer. That's pretty heady company for any preacher to be associated with. But, it's a testimony to God's grace. His sovereignty and His power in salvation are still being preached, even if it's not published in the majority of pulpits in America. I'm just grateful to be included in this band of brothers.

You can visit Reformed Voices here:

http://www.reformedvoices.com/

Phil posts new material daily, so check back often!

Last thing -- for those of you who like to watch videos on YouTube (there are a few with redeeming qualities), you can now watch them in the highest resolution available through a nifty little trick (thanks Lane!). When you arrive at the video you want to watch, add this little code to the end of the URL that appears in the address bar: &fmt=18

You can copy and paste that bit of code from here if you don't want to type in the individual letters. After you've added that code, click Enter again and your video will start over, but it will be in nearly-high-definition. Very cool, especially when you're watching something with intensive graphics. Try it!