Day 2 of Cutting It Straight is the longest, fullest day of the conference. It was a long but blessed day!
The day started with a message by Daniel Henderson on gospel-driven prayer for gospel-driven work (Acts 4:23-31). Henderson leads the 6:4 Fellowship, a ministry that encourages pastors to base their leadership of the church on prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). In his message, he reminded us why it happens after prayer!
During our first breakouts of the day, I led a class on the principles of interpretation. To cut it straight, you must know the fundamental rules of Bible interpretation. My advice is to learn the rules and practice the rules. I had such a good time teaching this class. I hated when it was over!
After another round of breakout classes, Dany Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, preached the general session on guidelines for a Christ-centered marriage from Ephesians 5. Each year, I assign someone to kick us in the stomach by charging us to live it, not just preach it. Akin did his job, as he challenged us to not lose our ministries by failing our families.
Bob Kauflin led worship during the evening worship service. Our preachers for the evening were Mac Brunson and Charlie Dates. Brunson preached on the hope of the Second Coming of Christ from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Dates preached about David’s confession, forgiveness, and restoration from Psalm 51. In the words of one of our elders, it was high-level preaching!
During the service, we also acknowledged my pastor, Melvin V. Wade Sr. Wednesday was his 75th birthday. And he spent it with us! We also made available a little book of eight of his sermons that we published. Pastor Wade served the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Los Angeles for 42 years, before retiring two years ago. But I am grateful for his continued ministry, as he travels the country preaching the word.
Each year, we do a video tribute a preacher people should know. This year, we remembered Warren W. Wiersbe, who moved upstairs to his final reward earlier this year. His grandson, Dan Jacobson, was featured in the video and joined us for the service. I have read Warren Wiersbe my entire ministry. And I praise the Lord for the influence his pulpit and pen has had on the body of Christ over the years.
Today is the final day of the conference. Gary Williams and Brian Croft will give general session talks. We will have one more round of breakout classes. Ligon Duncan and I will preach the closing service tonight.
Prayers appreciated for the final day of Cutting It Straight.
