"Why A Bible Conference?" pt.1

In the last three months I have been asked the question, "why are you hosting a bible conference?" Another question is also, "is it like a revival?" It has taken me aback a little that people actually believe we should only hold special meetings for lost people. So I want to give a couple of thoughts for why Pleasant Hill Baptist church is hosting a bible conference. I want to use a verse of scripture from the book of Acts 20:32, "and now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace,which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

1. "...commend you to God..." The Apostle Paul was telling the elders from the church at Ephesus he was: (allege, commend, commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before, God almighty. In other words he was telling them they were before God almighty in the work of the ministry as elders to the church at Ephesus. My job as an elder is to feed the sheep of God with sheep food (the word of God). One reason why we are hosting a bible conference is to feed the sheep that God has entrusted, commended to, and put forth before me with (regardless of how many or how few). Gods word in Hebrews 13:17 says, "I will give an account of the souls of men who sits under the word of God."

2. "...to the word of his grace..." The Word of his grace is all we have in this world that will bring hope to a sinner and joy to the saint. If it were not for the word of grace all men everywhere would be condemned. This word of grace is how God graciously deals with man in salvation, namely the gospel. As an elder/pastor my job is to encourage God's people with the "word of his grace." They need not some man to play on peoples emotions and to manipulate them in a so-called "revival meeting." They need their souls comforted and to be strengthened in their walk with Christ by His Word. This is only by "the word of his grace."

More Advice for Theological Students and Young Pastors

More Advice for Theological Students and Young Pastors
Pastor Kevin DeYoung gives some great practical advice to pastors (whether young or old). Great advice to be considered and meditated upon.
Enjoy and be blessed!

Pastor Chad