On our way in the chatting about merits of turning 13 second quarter mile times with a naturally aspirated 1.6L VW bug, got the best of us and we missed our turn. No problem. It gave us a chance to explore the scenery of Van Nuys and the preference of the other commuters to use their horns at every opportunity. Must have been our Texas plates. The impolite feedback of the other drivers was poorly appreciated by Jason and from his sorrow, tended to drive slower. Since we came up from the South, we got to park in the new lot at Grace. This was to accomadate the additional ~1500 atendees to this conferenace.
I have no idea what this means but I thought I would share.
The first speaker on Thursday morning was actually Dr. Nunez. But since I summarized his message in the update for Wednesday because I overlooked Stephen Nichols, lets just pretend that Mr. Nichols spoke on Thrusday morning, OK (see how much fun it is when you hang out with us?). Stephen Nichols (AKA: Miguel Nunez) Concentrated on John 6 and Hebrews 13, stressing the suffering that we share with Christ and how we can know and be glad that He understand all our trials and our struggles. In effect Christ is helping us to write our obituary, meaning what will be said about us at the end is being created by the transforming power of His Word, through knowledge, prayers and providence.
During the message we got an alert of protesters that were coming to the conference.
Seems these folks object that we focus on Salvation through preaching the word, and want us to focus more/exclusively on protests and politics in order to alter abortion law. We are not here to protest, but to boldly proclaim the Truth and transform lives by growing in the knowledge of the Word of God. To do otherwise is to ignore the only weapon that can ever be effective. Not to mention it means we are not obediant to our calling. Christ had plenty to protest in His time. He never did. He proclaim truth and turned the world upside down. Jason may have been a little homesick at lunch. Plus the prospect of a 45 minute wait in line seemed daunting. So we braved the protesters and drove over to COCOs. This was a sentimental favorite for he and his bride early in their lives. I am told this was their favorite meal and was selected as being very high-value.
Oops, almost forgot something. On Wednesday after Paul Washer, Mark was standing with another gentleman at on of these black bistro tables. Jason and Marv were at the bookstore and I was paying homage to the high lettuce content of my earlier meal. Mark tried to strike up a conversation but to no avail. Then another man walked up. The two others there, knew each other the conversation went like this:
"Did you hear the Paul Washer message?"
"yes"
"Well what do you think"
"not sure"
" I mean, do you still think you are saved?"
That was a depth of conversation that prompted Mark to bid these two a fond farewell. But consider how wonderful this really is. A church leader of some kind. Most likely a pastor, was being challenged on the truth of his faith. What a truly kind and loving conversation to have. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Eternity awaits us all. Better to look at our loves with compassionate brothers than to keep spending energy to fool others and ourselves.
We were in overflow for HB Charles. Wow, was this man amazing. He became a pastor at the age of 17 because his father died as the pastor of a Missionary Baptist Church in LA. He knew little but would drive over to Grace on evening Sunday dates with the woman who would become his wife. Here he grew in knowledge and graduated The Master's Seminary. His message was ROUSING and not to be missed.
"I ask you, what is more important, preaching or prayer? When you are flying at 30,000 feet, which wing matters most; the left or the right?" Boom!
Also great time to note-the singing has been very, very loud with booming men's voices fill the entire campus. The atmosphere is decidedly unified and joyous. A verbal and physical effusiveness is everywhere. I have heard an endless wave of amens and seen raised hands everywhere.
The next session was Dr. Mohler. As we were finding our seats 30 minutes before the start-this is how full the worship center was. It is full every time. With another 1500 in overflows or just standing outside listening through speakers.
Dr. Mohler spoke from John 14 and noting there is NO reconciliation with the world. We are hated because Christ is hated and we follow Him. He is hated because the world hates the Father. That is why good works and even miracles have no lasting effect, save for the elect.
"how comforting it is to consider Stephen Martyr under Dicleation, that was so long ago-no a day is coming when that will be our fate." Cornelius loved the message from Dr. Mohler very much but had no idea who Dicleation was.
We left at ~7:30 and accompanied Jason searching for a special gift for some ladies in his life. Then met in the bus and shared the last shards of ribs, beans, brisket and ice cream. Early this morning Mrs. Schuh shared a photo of their family singing from their hymnals with us while watching on the streaming service. For our stowaways, my computer is like a giant TV. Lammy and Panther recognized their living room and pointed out to Cornelius all the details about their home and family. They told him about Audrey, Amelia and Ava. Cornelius was very amazed and as he tried to take in all he had seen.
With all our joy, it is still important to note again that there is evil crouching at the door.
But we have been given a cure to share. Preach the Word, pray endlessly. The change is not ours to win, only trust and be obidient.
It is now 6:17 am on Friday here. Time for showers, dressing and prayers for Pastor Tom. He leads us this morning, we know he will appreciate all our prayers.
We miss you all more than can be explained. Just a few short hours and we will see your faces!
Love this!!!! Thank you for keeping us with you!
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