Navigating History: Egypt

The Navigating History Egypt Project kicks off in just a few days. Follow Isaac Botkin, David Noor, Chris Harper, and Steven Bowman on an adventure that promises to give you a true understanding and up close look at the history, geography, and current affairs of the Egyptian culture from a distinctly Biblical Worldview. Egypt is the first stop in what the Western Conservatory hopes will be an ongoing seasonal project focussed on teaching Christians about the events that have shaped many nations around the world. Live videos from Egypt will begin streaming to the web on December 1^st followed by a 30 minute period of audio Q&A with the team. I'm personally thrilled about this project and I encourage you to subscribe today!

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Introduction to Navigating History from Navigating History on Vimeo.

A Recap of Two Overwhelming Weeks #3

Due to the nature of the fact that the event I attended in San Antonio was an Academy (a school for young filmmakers), and in an effort to respect those who have produced and are now selling the products from the Academy and Festival, I will simply attempt to briefly summarize, as accurately as possible, the sessions I attended.

An event I had eagerly anticipated for so long was literally slipping into reality as I strolled into the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas on Monday the 25^th. Surrounding me were the faces of fellow men and women who are all passionate for the very thing I am, creating epistemologically sound, God-honoring Christian films outside of Hollywood. It was as though I was at a reunion. Friends from Ace Wonder were everywhere. Needless to say, smiles were abundant. But, I can honestly say, the face I was most excited to see in the room was my father's. I can't fully express how thankful I am that God has blessed me with a father who desires to be a mentor, instructor, and leader to his sons' film business. Going into business with your father is quite remarkable.

After mingling for a short time with some friends Dad, Jonathan, and I took our seats. As Mr. Geoff Botkin presented the opening charge and called everyone to order, I felt as though I had just boarded a ship and was given an oar with which I was to begin rowing to battle. After a stirring introduction by Mr. Botkin, Mr. Doug Phillips took the podium and opened the academy with his session entitled: An Introduction to Epistemology and Biblical Worldview for Filmmakers. In his session, Mr. Phillips defined Epistemology as our starting point, our foundation, our reason for why we believe what we believe, how we get from point A to point B, and understanding our worldview and its implications on life. The Christian filmmaker must approach his filmmaking from a distinctly Biblical Worldview. In order for the filmmaker to remember this principle, he must constantly be asking himself the questions, “By what standard? What saith the Scriptures?”

The very next session was given by actor Kirk Cameron (famous for his character Mike Seaver in the sit-com Growing Pains, and, more recently, Caleb Holt in Fireproof). Kirk introduced himself by first giving his life story, from Growing Pains to present. He talked about some of the differences between sit-com acting and acting for film and the difficulties with each. He told us how he came to accept Christ as his Savior while still acting as Mike Seaver in Growing Pains, and some of the problems that arose because of his faith and the difficult choices he was forced to make. He told us about his wife, a former actress, who now stays at home with their six children. We learned about his next film project, entitled Monumental. He told the students how he prepared for his role as Caleb Holt in Fireproof.

He taught us his acting style, going so far as to walk us through the “notice of divorce” scene in Fireproof, and how he was able to cry on the spot, exactly the same way, for multiple takes and various angles whenever given the cue. He staged an audition with several volunteers from the crowd using famous scenes from Casablanca and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. He critiqued actors performances on stage and showed what directors should be looking for in their actors during an audition. He told us what actors and directors should and should not expect during an audition. He watched performances of Derek Moreland (Actor in Ace Wonder) and John Moore (Writer, Director, and Actor in Ace Wonder) and gave each practical advice. And, upon request of Doug Phillips, he acted out a scene from Casablanca with John Moore.

I gained a great deal of practical knowledge by listening to this godly man teach us his skill. Yet, two of the most meaningful statements he made were these: “The thing that answered the ego question for me was: I'm part of the ultimate statistic, 10 out of 10 people die, whether I'm famous or not. And when I stand before Almighty God, which could be today, I will not be the celebrity in that relationship.” “The single most important quality is the fear of God.” This man has taken such an incredible stance for truth over the years of his film career and it greatly encouraged me to witness a genuine Christian actor who is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Kirk Cameron Speaks about Christian Acting from Vision Forum on Vimeo.

The next workshop was entitled Understanding Actors and Acting: Madness and Methods (Geoff and Isaac Botkin)

This workshop was one of the most fascinating at the Academy. Prior to this session, I had a basic understanding of the fact that some actors can become so psychologically engaged in their character that they can no longer think correctly (i.e. Heath Leger – Joker in The Dark Knight), but I had no idea why that was, what it was, where it came from, and why it is dangerous on a number of levels. Essentially, as Isaac told us, it boils down to one of two foundational worldviews: Relativistic Spontaneous Chance, or Purpose-Driven Intelligent Design. Those who adhere to Method acting approach their acting with the idea of spontaneous chance. One example, out of the many which Isaac presented of how this worldview manifests itself, is that method actors allow their heart, the seat of emotion, to drive their acting (clearly an unbiblical principle: Proverbs 25:28, 1 Corinthians 9:27). As a result of this worldview, the actor becomes the arbiter of the set rather than the director and the result is, in most cases, devastating to the film and sometimes the actor. In the Independent Christian Film Industry, it is our goal to strive to be purposeful in everything we do, even acting.

Isaac and Geoff Botkin's workshop was followed up with a very practical, yet profound message from Stephen Kendrick (Writer and Producer of Fireproof and Courageous). His session was entitled Tips to Ensure Better Acting in Your Productions.

I would like to note that this was the first time I have ever heard Stephen Kendrick speak and I was blown away by his humility and Christ exalting attitude. He is a man completely saturated in the Word. He is a man who is very successful in the Independent Christian Film Industry, yet humble enough to admit that “The more time you spend with us the less impressed you'll be with us and the more impressed you'll be with our God.” He is a filmmaker who embodies the ideals of the film academy, a man who truly sees that his success is only found in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He is a man who understands that the only reason he is blessed is because Christ was cursed. And like a cherry on top of everything else, he is a very dynamic, energetic, fun speaker.

Stephen began his session by asking, “Is it biblical to act?” Many Christians do not believe acting is legitimate on the grounds that pretending to be someone you're not is lying. However, Stephen explained that our goal is to promote truth, not to deceive. Additionally, he noted that Jesus Himself told many parables in which he was acting as someone else. This was illustrated in a very comedic fashion that words on a page could never articulate! However, when Jesus told parables, He always portrayed a character in a story to communicate truth. In short, if it's honoring to the Lord, motivated by truth, it's biblical. Here are some of the other points Stephen made:

1. Pray Diligently!

2. Cast Wisely

3. Direct Strategically

4. Creatively Overcome Weak Acting

5. Critique BRUTALY

6. Re-Edit Creatively – Take out

The final session that evening was one I was not expecting. We were given the incredible honor of being taken on a tour through the Kendrick brothers latest production, Courageous. In addition to hearing, essentially, the entire plot of the movie, we were given a special treat; several scenes from the film itself. I cannot tell you how enthused I am about this film! It has incredible potential to wrought powerful change in the hearts of fathers across this nation. I have been sworn to secrecy by Mr. Kendrick, so I can give you no spoilers, but I will say that the message is very powerful, the visuals are stunning, there are no rough spots in the acting, and the dialog is incredible, I was laughing hysterically one moment and then moved to tears the next. Continue to pray for all those involved in the production, there is still much to be done.

Stephen Kendrick of the Movie "Courageous" Speaks on Guarding the Blessing of God in Filmmaking from Vision Forum on Vimeo.

At the end of the day, I talked with many friends and then waited in line to speak with Stephen. The man I met was the very man he was on stage. I left praising God for a meaningful, cherished conversation between he and I. I left rejoicing about the work our great God is doing through this industry. I left with (yet again) a greater love for Christ as a result of what I was taught. I left with a burden to make epistemologically sound Christian films. I left with a desire to study more theology. I left with a desire to find actors who are in the business to exalt Christ and serve those they are co-laboring with, not those who wish to express themselves and be the arbiter of the set. I left encouraged, challenged, strengthened, and equipped. Yet I also had a holy fear for what my brother, my father, my family, and I are preparing to enter.

The next day is soon coming.

In Christ,

Josh

Ace Wonder - Sneak Peek

See the opening "motion comic sequence" for Ace Wonder: Message From a Dead Man.

Ace Wonder - Sneak peek from Ace Wonder on Vimeo.

Five Incredible Films Shown at the SAICFF Part 2

2010 Best Feature Film - The Penny

In our day, finding a good feature film is like finding a diamond. By the grace of God, the folks at Film Weavers have crafted just that through a captivating story. A story that not only demonstrates a firm grasp of proper story structure, but also provides a much needed message for our world today. The Penny is a film that speaks to a number of issues, including fatherhood, but its primary thrust is that nothing happens as a result of chance and random processes, but rather, all things occur as a result of the sovereign work of our providential God. As you will see in the trailer below, The Penny does contain some mature content, but all is handled with extreme care and has been appropriately filtered through Scripture. As a result of their dedication to first glorify and exalt Christ in every dimension of their film, Film Weavers' project has proven to be a genuinely excellent film. I think you'll see why it was truly the best feature film at the festival this year. You can purchase a copy here.

A Recap of Two Overwhelming Weeks #2

On the second day of the Semper Reformanda Conference I attended a number of sessions. Here’s a summary of some of the sessions that were prominent for me. The first session I attended in the morning was by Paul Washer. His message was, in actuality, a combination of the session he was unable to give the previous night and the session he was scheduled to give that morning.

In this sitting Mr. Washer spoke of Christ the vine and God the great vine dresser. He explained that the believer’s life originates from the vine (Christ), and God is the sovereign designer of the vineyard. “We cannot erect a trellis to change the shape of the garden.” This is the task of the vine dresser. Therefore, it is our duty to rid ourselves of everything carnal; seeking instead to bear fruit through the new life we posses in Jesus Christ. Our Christian lives are about an increasing dependence upon Christ. Sadly, as Mr. Washer noted, the reason much of the modern church is not bearing fruit is because we have become busy doers; we are endeavoring to accomplish tasks in our own flesh. Hence, when God begins a work in the church, it almost never appears impressive to carnal men. “Christianity is not mechanical, but organic” said Mr. Washer. “We are not business men, we are prophets.”

In other words, as Mr. Shiflet noted on the previous night, it is not our job to innovate how God has prescribed us to worship Him. Unfortunately, we have become so caught up in appearing beautiful in the eyes of the culture surrounding us that we have forgotten that God’s eyes are the only ones that must perceive us as beautiful. As Mr. Washer put it, “We are to seek to be beautiful to God, not carnal men. We cannot use carnal means to keep carnal men.”

Did you hear that? “We are to seek to be beautiful to God, not carnal men. We cannot use carnal means to keep carnal men.”

The church has become so focused upon developing programs and ministries that attract the masses of the culture that we have forgotten that carnal men are not supposed to see the church as beautiful. We spend time, resources, energy, and money trying to create environments within our churches that make unbelievers feel at ease, desiring unbelievers to be able to walk into the church without being convicted of their sinful lifestyle.

“The true Church just wants Christ, not events...when that church comes together, it comes together to minister to the people of Christ” (Paul Washer).

Is Jesus not enough? Why does the church feel she has to utilize unbiblical methods and events to be effective? Oh, that the eyes of the bride of Christ might be opened. Her sole desire must be Christ, nothing or no one else. Mr. Washer later remarked, “Don't dress up your worship to appeal to carnal people.” May that be a constant reminder to us all.

Mr. Washer cautioned everyone, “Don't talk bad about the church...proclaim the truth and love the church!” What a humbling reminder. “God has turned over His bride to our care, we should tremble.” Yes, we must lovingly strive to bring her back to the truth, all with a proper fear of the God who has entrusted His church to us.

Now moving into a new portion of his message, Mr. Washer stated, “We're going to have to proclaim the gospel for God, not just for the men.” He went on to disclose that the reason unregenerate men are so precious to us, the reason we send the truth of the gospel through the mouths of missionaries, is because people are precious to Him. We don't preach the gospel solely for the individual, we preach to the glory of God. Still, beyond this, God has prescribed a particular model for the church which transcends time and culture. And, as Mr. Washer appropriately emphasized, it is not the goal of missionaries to go into a culture, find out what they are like, what they want etc., and then adapt the message to fit them. No, “We have to lead people away from being self-absorbed and self-consumed.” said Mr. Washer. Regrettably, many missionaries do not think this way.

“The church is not,” as many believe, “about having our felt-needs met.” said Mr. Washer. However, as he noted, because this becomes the goal of many churches, we focus on giving people entertainment rather than Christ. In his own words, we become “Foolish little boys playing marbles with God's diamonds.” He continued by unveiling the fact that much of the church today has an unbiblical emphasis on community and what we, the believer, can receive rather than upon Christ, our relationship with Him, and what we can give Him in our worship. Community and fellowship within the church is indeed good, but from the right perspective. If this becomes the emphasis of the church, if we become self-absorbed and seek to gratify our desires, if we stop seeking to exalt Christ, his kingdom, and refrain from cultivating a meaningful relationship with Him, then we don't understand the church.

This was not all that was contained in Paul Washer's message that morning, but I believe the points above are an accurate recount of some of the highlights of his message.

The next session I'd like to make note of was a very practical message by Dr. Voddie Baucham on the subject of Biblical Manhood. Dr. Baucham's overarching emphasis being, how can the church help prepare men to be leaders in their homes. First and foremost, Dr. Baucham noted that this responsibility is not programmatic, it's philosophical. As Dr. Baucham put it, “We have a need for men to operate in the 4 P's (Prophet, Priest, Provider, Protector)...We shouldn't have any program to tell them to do it, we should expect them to do it.” However, this admonition was backed up with a word of caution that went along the lines of, if we're going to champion leadership by men in their homes, then we have to first back it up by being those men ourselves. Does this mean the church is to nonchalantly sit back and expect every man to recognize his calling and undertake it as he should? By no means. Below are some of the steps the people at Grace Family Baptist take to prepare men to lead.

1. Equipping Men to Lead in Family Worship

Oftentimes men are intimidated by the phrase “Family Worship” because they feel as though they have to conduct a miniature Sunday morning service (sermon, music etc...). While family worship should contain the reading and memorizing of Scripture, singing, and prayer, “It is not a complex gathering,” said Dr. Baucham, “...but we're not flippant about it either.” Family worship time must be serious and it should contain discussion of the text being read (as children get older, the discussion will become more and more complex), but we need not try and break the text into points and preach a sermon.

2. Equipping Men to Lead in Catechism

That word might scare some of us, but catechism is just a series of questions and answers based upon Biblical principles that fathers should ask their children at some point during the day. An example would be this well known question from the Westminster Shorter Catechism “What is the chief duty of man? To glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” Dr. Baucham illustrated this in a very comedic fashion for those fathers who believe they must have memorized the catechism prior to teaching it to their children. He demonstrated that you, the dad, hold the book, you ask your child the question and wait for him to respond. The beauty of it is, you have the answers! So you can learn right along with your children. It's really quite simple.

3. Equipping Men to Lead in Education

“Christians have a biblical obligation to give their children a Christian education.” said Dr. Baucham. As the father, it's your responsibility to see to it that that, indeed, occurs.

4. Equipping Men to Lead in Evangelism

5. Equipping Men to Lead in Marriage

6. Equipping Men to Wash Their Wives With the Water of the Word

7. Equipping Men to Live With Their Wives in and Understanding Way

8. Equipping our Children for Marriage

9. Equipping Fathers to Evaluate the Methods of Entertainment

These were just a few of the highlights of Dr. Bauchams' message, and I know that I missed a few here and there. I'd encourage you to take these points and personally study them in light of Scripture.

The following session I attended was one by Paul Washer entitled “The Gospel and Culture.” At the outset of his message, Mr. Washer probed his audience with these questions, “What part of your Christianity should be exported, and what part should be quarantined? Do you have a devotional life worth exporting?” He answered these questions by stating that we must have things to export rather than things to quarantine. Missionaries export truth. They proclaim the Savior, not a savior. This is the scandal of the gospel. Why? Because as Mr. Washer explained, men want to be seekers of the truth, but no one wants to say they've found it. “We are hated and seen as arrogant if we claim we have found it” he said.

But it's not merely the truth that is scandalous; it's what is required as a result of accepting the truth. When speaking to this, Mr. Washer said, “When we preach the gospel, we are calling for a complete paradigm shift” (no, that didn't come from College Revolutionized ;) ). As he stated, we must understand that when we exclusively state that Christ is the Savior, what we are preaching is a scandalous message, and, yes, it's supposed to be.

“Men have always hated the gospel and gospel preachers” he went on to say. “We should desire not to offend God's majesty by adapting our message to make it appealing to the culture.” The gospel does not need innovation or adaptation for different cultures. If it did, then as Mr. Washer stated, “The message of the gospel would have died at its birth had it depended upon the eloquence of its preachers. The fact that it survives today is proof of its truth.”

Knowing, then, that the gospel is a scandalous message, we should not expect anyone to give us a hearing when we preach the gospel. That is, apart from the work of the Holy Spirit and His power. “It's not strength, it's not brilliance, it's God.” Amen! Bear in mind that the gospel we're speaking of is not only the transforming message of salvation, but the life we've been set apart to live as a result of that salvation. In speaking on this subject, Mr. Washer made a statement that has become a personal favorite of mine, “You preach in a place where there is one of two possibilities: a revival, or a riot.” However, he was quick to remind us that only the power of God can bring down man's corruptness, no amount of preaching can ever compare with it.

Oftentimes we become caught up in trying to prove the validity of the gospel, and although we must be prepared to give answers to those who question us about our faith (1 Peter 3:15), we need not try and defend its accuracy. In his own words, “The Gospel does not require a defense to validate it...if we proclaim it, it will take care of itself. We don't need to defend the gospel any more than we need to defend a lion. Just let it out and watch it defend itself.”

The last session of the conference, entitled “Starting from the Ground Up,” was given by none other than Dr. Baucham. What does it mean to start from the ground up? Start with Christ, He is the chief cornerstone. In this message, Dr. Baucham exegeted Ephesians chapter 4, but before doing so, he noted that Ephesians has two major sections. Ephesians chapters 1-3 contain orthodoxy (the defining of the dogmas of Christianity), and chapters 4-6 contain orthopraxy (how our doctrine is to be lived out). Additionally, Ephesians 1-3 is comprised primarily of indicatives (i.e. that is a chair). While chapters 4-6 is comprised primarily of imperatives (i.e. sit in the chair).

As Dr. Baucham noted early in his message, “If you want to lift up the body, lift up Christ.” An important point he made was that the church of God is not built on the power of men.

1. The Church is the Body of Christ

If this is the case, then it is thus important that we understand who Christ is. We must know how to reflect Christ. If we are going to be distinct from the culture then the church must look like Christ.

2. If people are Wrong About Christ, They're Wrong About Everything

As Dr. Baucham stated, everything we preach about, we preach in light of who Christ is. “We preach Christ until we see Christ, one way or the other.”

Believe it or not, that's it! Now, as I said at the outset, this is merely a highlight reel of some of my favorite sessions at an incredible conference. Also, it doesn't help that it has been three weeks since its culmination, unlike last year when I was nearly live blogging the conference. I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Mp3's :)

Nevertheless, this was the consummation of only one third of an overwhelming 2 weeks! Still, the truth presented at the Semper Reformanda Conference proved to be the most fitting foundation for what was ahead of us in San Antonio.

Part three is on the way.

Stand Fast!

Josh

Five Incredible Films Shown at the SAICFF Part 1

2010 Best of Festival – Agenda, Grinding America Down

Every single American must see this documentary! This is, perhaps, the most timely, coherent, poignant, revealing, transforming, startling, powerful, documentary I have ever seen. Buy one for your family here, and then purchase them in bulk and start handing them out to everyone you know. Praise God for this man and his family! Our nation has been attacked from the inside by a ruthless enemy. It's high time their wicked agenda is brought to an abrupt stop before our nation plummets headlong for destruction, and friends, we're closer than you may think.

Below I have posted Mr. Bowers acceptance speech of the Best of Festival Award. Having the honor of being a part of the audience for these few minutes was incredibly special. Mr. Phillips sums it up best in the following statement, “Never in my life have I witnessed such a humble, powerful beautiful testimony of gratitude which demonstrated the kind hand of God answering the prayers of children, as I did when Curtis Bowers accepted the award for $101,000 for Best of Festival for his film Agenda. Make sure to watch the entire clip. It is amazing.”

The 2010 Grand Prize Winner--Curtis Bowers Delivers the Greatest Acceptance Speech We Have Ever Heard for His Film "Agenda" from Vision Forum on Vimeo.

The Joy of Being a Big Brother

A Recap of Two Overwhelming Weeks #1

WOW! WOW! WOW! As vague and as overused as that word can be, in my case, it's an accurate description of the last two weeks in my life and the life of my family. On Wednesday the 20^th of October, my family and I embarked on a trip to Texas for a week and a half of instruction from God's Word on a number of topics. What you are about to read is a young man's attempt to summarize one of the greatest two weeks of his life. Are you ready? Good, because I'm not sure I can even come close to describing even a fraction of what my family and I have enjoyed. However, I hope what is written here respects the knowledge of men much wiser than I and gives you a glimpse into the work God is doing.

Before I begin, I'd like to say that the time my family spent traveling together was a blessed time. On the way to Texas we made a few notable stops. The first was in Montgomery, Alabama. In addition to acquainting ourselves with the capital of the State, we were excited to tour the first White House of the Confederacy where President Jefferson Davis resided during the spring of 1861. We also stopped at the gulf coast and saw the home at which Jefferson Davis remained for the last 12 years of his life. The large house quietly sits across from the beach of the beautiful gulf coast, thereby providing a good excuse for us to sink our feet into the sand for just a few minutes before continuing to Louisiana where we had a fantastic dinner and a refreshing, encouraging, memorable time of fellowship with some friends that evening.

Day 1 – Semper Reformanda Conference Houston, TX

“As men we are called to counter our age. Many people have been infected with an American gospel and not the real gospel” - Paul Washer.

Mr. Washer is a fallen man, just like you and I, whom God has raised up for this particular time in history. Nathaniel Darnell describes him best as “A modern-day Jonathan Edwards.” At a time when much of the church has given the gospel an American, narcissistic, prosperity, packaged, pray and your done twist that is infecting the church and the culture, God is using this man in a mighty way to bring men and women back to Sola Scriptura! Back to the real gospel. Not the version that we have made up in an attempt broaden its appeal. Our flesh wants a gospel that's packaged and easy. A gospel that entails no risk.

But Mr. Washer stated “Train your young men that it is a good thing to die.” Young men, how many of us can truly say that we are ready to die for the gospel? If a man walked through the doors of your church and pointed a gun at your head and said “Renounce Christ or die!” What would you do? We don't even realize that our nation has grown hostile toward Christianity. The days of no persecution in this land will soon be over. The day is soon coming when it will be unlawful to proclaim the gospel. Will you or I be among those who fall captive to the fear of man above the fear of Almighty God?

Another point Mr. Washer stressed is the issue of dominion. For those of you familiar with the debate, good. For those of you unfamiliar with it, I suggest doing some research. Many claim that it is our duty to take dominion by transforming culture. Let me pause here momentarily, I whole heartedly agree that we should be taking dominion, but allow me to define that. I believe taking dominion is this:

“And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." - Genesis 1:26

“You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet.” - Psalm 8:6

Dominion is ruling over that which God has commanded us to rule over. Every thing on this earth has been placed under the feet of man. However, pantheists would have you believe that animals are every bit as human as man. Hence, they promote the worship of the creature and not the creator and reject any man who claims that the animals are subordinate to him.

Some argue that taking dominion is accomplished by taking the reigns of culture and turning it back to God. Though well intentioned, our efforts will be in vain if we forget the most important thing: “We take dominion by preaching Christ, not by transforming culture.” - Paul Washer. It is Christ that transforms culture, not the efforts of fallen man. It should not be our goal to get the cart before the horse.

As Mr. Washer progressed through his message, which, as we were later told, was only the introduction to a message time would not allow him to present until the next day, he spoke of a grave danger to homeschool families: Making family an idol. We can teach our children to become intellectually brilliant, but if we forget to preach Christ then we are no better than the pagan institutions. When speaking to this issue Paul Washer passionately stated, “Men, give yourself to your family, but do not make your family an idol!” We cannot become so at ease with our family that we forget our duty. Our duty is to wield the sword. Our duty is to struggle just as Christ struggled. How I wish you could have heard the power with which this man proclaimed the truth. How I wish you could have heard his passion and utter love for Christ. As he spoke of the importance of struggling, Mr. Washer said “what joy it is when the sword sticks to your hand because you've been swinging it all day.” now yelling, “Gentlemen! This is what you were made for!” Though exhausting, we don't stop swinging until the gospel goes out to all the world.

As I sat in my chair I continually felt as though I was being ground to powder. Over and over again I was humbled before my God. Repeatedly, I thought myself unfit for the monumental task before me. And then Mr. Washer spoke directly to me “Our problem is not that we are too weak, but that we are too strong.” He continued with this paraphrased statement, “Oh that God would break us into pieces that we might look like stained glass windows.” Being ground to dust before God is perhaps one of the greatest things a godly man can and should allow God to do to him, for it destroys pride and lays us open and bare before the Lord, thereby making us vessels even more prepared for the master's work. After every man in the room was sufficiently trampled over and under by the truth this man was so vigorously proclaiming, we were all reminded that it is only by the work of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit that our duty can be fulfilled.

Mr. Washer continued by admonishing men to go to God in the watch hours of the night and not let go of Him until He blesses them. Understanding full well that we are not the ones trying to drag God to do something and God is not dragging us to do something, He is calling us to Himself. Men, we must cultivate a powerful prayer life. Many of us are able to read Scripture for hours at a time, but the fact of the matter is, our flesh hates prayer, and don't think your adversary won't milk that! We must fight hard to spend time in prayer. Mr. Washer said there is absolutely no reason why a man can not spend at least an hour in prayer every day. Absolutely no excuse. And I'm not speaking of an hour spread throughout the day, I'm speaking of rolling out of bed, hitting your knees and staying on your knees for an hour beseeching the throne of our omnipotent God! This is in addition to remaining in constant communion and fellowship with Him throughout the day. How many days have gone by in which I have not spent such time in prayer. We must be men who are strong enough to stand up for truth, resist temptations, and cast visions, yet weak enough to fall to our knees before our sovereign God. We must be weak that His strength might be made manifest to all who witness our lives in action.

Our Next speaker, who is a current elder at GfBC, was a man by the name of David Shiflet. What I admired about this man's session is a very important fact that much of the church has forgotten: “I Will build my church.” - Matthew 16:18.

With this point in mind, Mr. Shiflet exposited Exodus chapter 30, demonstrating that God has prescribed to man a few timeless principles for worship:

1. God Appoints the Workers, not us

God appoints men from wherever he choses, no matter their background; whether they're seminary graduates or not.

2. God has Given us a Pattern, Each of us is Accountable to God

3. God has Called Them By His Name

4. God Equips Them for the Work

5. God Constrains the Workers

God says, “This is what I want done, nothing more and nothing less.” The problem is that in our sinful flesh we have a desire to build something in our image. We'd rather reject the plan of God because we think, “I'm not doing enough.” “There's got to be a way to do this better.” “There's got to be a better way to more effectively reach this group of people.” Hence, we begin innovating. We begin creating our own ideas of how God is to be worshiped. We create programs that are not prescribed in Scripture and in the process we reject God's plan for how He is to be worshiped.

As Mr. Shiflet said, “Our job is not to innovate and get creative in the church. We are to do all that He has commanded.” Not bigger, badder, cooler, etc...Our Holy, Righteous God has prescribed how he desires to be worshiped, is it not time that we conduct worship on His terms and not ours? “When we begin to do other things” Mr. Shiflet said, “we neglect what God has sacredly charged us to do...when we begin to innovate, we look at ourselves and see how great we are.” “Look at that program I came up with...that's pretty cool!” Our job is not to be confused with the jurisdictional job of the state.

The first day of the Semper Reformanda Conference came to a close after the conclusion of these two messages. However, this was just an appetizer for the feast of truth we were about to receive the following day.

Day 2 is coming soon!

Josh