On Friday morning we were excited and prayerful to see Pastor Tom and hear his message on the resurrection. Last year we were able to sit every day with our Church family. That was a little more difficult this year. There were just so many folks. The way each day would normally unfold is someone would secure a row of seats in a good spot, spread out books and bags, then secure each end. On Friday morning, Rocky was able to get approval through Tom for us to be escorted in while the Worship Center was empty. We staged at the South entrance. Rocky met us at exactly 9:15 and escorted us through the speakers entrance. At the time it was only us, some security and 5-10 other folks.
Then security told us to take our seats, mentioning it was for our safety... A few moments later the security officer boomed out, "Open the doors". An officer at each door pushed them open, In just one or two seconds, this was the scene.
Twenty five seconds later, this was the view.
Pastors were full-legged stretching in a sprint. Like a strange variant of black-Friday, It was easy at first to be a little concerned with this. However, these were not men clamoring for a TV to watch football. These were men that wanted to best vantage point to hear, see, learn and understand The Word of God, from teachers that were qualified and uniquely proven. My thought then became, is that not an opportunity worthy of striving for?
Lammy and Panther were safe with us. They were behaving and could sit for the message. Cornelius was not acting as well and had to stay in my back-pack. Later he really got into trouble.
Then there was this view. Dr. Ian Murray being swamped by the young and older alike for words of encouragement and selfies. He was engaging all comers and was something of a rock-star.
Tom then spoke. I believe it may have been the finest message Tom has every delivered. Not sure if it was the time (500th anniversary of the reformation) or if it was that he was assigned 20 verses to cover. But it was powerful and not to be missed. He described how the vast majority of all religions and world views are based on a philosophical argument. One a small handful (five or so) were based on a person. Of those all their founders were dead and in the ground. Only Christianity can and should boast of the empty tomb! The resurrection not only validated the object of our faith, but it demonstrated the acceptability of that sacrifice to the Father for our propitiation! Breathtaking in scope, tone and content. We are a blessed congregation.
Now it was lunch time. The lunch was from a local grill (Fireside I believe, not sure though). The food was delicious hot and wonderful. The amazing thing was how lightning fast were were served. There must have been 1500-2000 men ahead of us in line. We were served in less than ten minutes.
That ten minutes was more than enough time for 'someone' in our group to restate the rhetorical question, "what is it about the man-bun?". In effect, Phil Johnson was able to accompany us through much of the conference.
After at least two speakers pointed out their disdain for skinny jeans and the like, there were still more than a few skinny jeans to be seen. Nonetheless, they are our bothers and all were loved. Besides, what can you once you have already packed your clothes?
After lunch we were in overflow for Conrad Mbewe. Cornelius asked if he could sit with Lammy and Panther if he promised to behave.
We chose the Chapel for this message, the seats were much more comfortable.
Pastor Mbewe's message was decidedly human. He painted of picture from Revelation 4 and 5 of the risen Christ, seated on his throne as the "Paramount and Paramount, greatest King of Kings and Ruler worthy of ALL honor and glory...". He also contrasted our anxious anticipation of problems and conflicts to the assurance that He is this very moment-ON THE THRONE, controlling all. Not some, ALL. After Pastor Mbewe's message there were piles of snacks awash on the campus. Cornelius could not resist having some salt-water taffy. At the time, seemed he was eating far more than a little cow could handle, but he had been so good earlier, that against our better judgement we let him have his fill.
By the time we got seated for Dr. Lawson it was clear that something was wrong. Poor Cornelius. He had clearly at way too much candy. Panther and Lammy stayed with him for comfort until his tummy got better.
At this moment we are loaded up and getting ready to leave. It is 7:26 local time. Another update very soon.
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