Table of contents for Glorieta 2008

I’m at Glorieta for National Collegiate Week. Michael Kelley is the Bible study leader for the mornings, and David Platt is the teacher during the evenings. Both brought the Word of God with conviction and authority today. The gathered crowd of 1500+ collegians and ministers were visibly moved by the messages.

Kelley spoke from Mark 11.12-24. It’s the passage where Jesus curses the fig tree as he’s heading into Jerusalem during the last week of his life. Mark makes a point to separate the fig tree account with the story of Jesus driving out the money changers from the temple.

The picture is of Jesus expecting to find something of substance, something of benefit, something to indicate fruitfulness, but He found nothing. Kelley asked if we and our churches have any substance, or if there are just leaves there – leaves that give a false impression of life and fruitfulness but which conceal our spiritual barrenness.

Platt spoke from Luke 9.51-62 about four pictures of Jesus and our response to Him. In each instance in these verses, people approached Jesus, wanting to follow Him, and in each case Jesus indicated that either they were not suitable or they could not. It’s definitely a “hard” passage.

Platt spoke powerfully and with great conviction. He asked us whether we, like the people mentioned in the passage, were using Jesus as a means to an end. “I’ll accept Him so that ________.” (fill in the blank) Platt pointed out how ludicrous it is to even conceive that we “accept” Jesus. Rather, it is the other way around, and His acceptance of us is based only on His grace and our faith.

For those who have “accepted” Jesus and used Him as a “ticket” to heaven, peace, better life, etc., Platt had strong words of caution that indicate that true faith may not be present.

Platt said God is the giver of the gospel; that Jesus is the gift of the gospel; and that Jesus is the goal of the gospel. We pursue Christ not to get _________, but rather to get Christ. He is the end of search.

Jesus doesn’t “need” us, Platt warned, and any thought or attempt at motivating people to serve God because God needs help is blasphemous. He is perfectly able to work without our help. We should be thankful that He chooses to use us in His grace. This perspective prevents our pride and false religion from being established.

In closing, Day 1 yielded some powerful teaching and many intimate conversations with friends and ministers.

On this day...

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6 Comments

dean August 4, 2008 at 4:47 am

so you were snapping pics when you were supposed to be having your quiet time? or is jeremy just a slow reader…

deans last blog post..wash those sins away!

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Linda August 4, 2008 at 7:55 am

Sounds like you are going to have a wonderful week. Please keep us posted. Be Careful and have fun!

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jeff August 4, 2008 at 8:24 am

@dean: ;) Jeremy is just slow.
@Linda: Thanks!

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TJ August 4, 2008 at 10:28 am

Man, I’ve been preaching the same “take the whole world but give me Jesus” message the last several times I’ve preached. Christians are chasing prosperity, signs, wonders, miracles, gifts, and are taught from pulpits to do so – but where does all of that leave Jesus? Borderline Idolatry is where I classify it. None of these things are bad things, but they should ONLY be manifest in your life as a result of your “no strings attached” relationship with Jesus Christ! If God is not first, then He’s last. (I smell a long-awaited blog post about to happen on this)

Keep us all posted on how the conference goes, sounds like some great Word being taught.

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Lou August 5, 2008 at 7:48 am

Glad you all are having a great time in Glorietta. Sounds like you are gaining a lot of insight.

I never really thought about being saved as a ticket to get to heaven, but it does make sense that you may be lacking faith. Jesus is more than just your ticket to faith.

Keep us updated.

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TJ September 4, 2008 at 6:54 pm

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr Platt preach today on television. The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary airs their chapel services, and he was preaching on the great commission.

When I turned it on, I was like “who’s this kid, and wow he’s much more passionate than anyone else I’ve seen on this program”. Then they splashed his name on the screen while he was quoting Romans 1-8 like it was coming straight from his heart.

Something tells me this man walks with God!

TJs last blog post..My take on the Republican Convention and Agenda

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About

Notes from the Trail
The Personal Blog of Jeff Noble
Info: From the misty hills of Virginia, "Notes from the Trail" seeks to encourage you on your journey. Written by a graphic designer-pastor, this blog is a blend of humor, insight, and faith discovery.