But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. - John 4:23

My heart is full, and my eyes the same,
armies of men, praising Jesus' name,
the Word went forth, the Spirit did move,
hard hearts were softened, and the broken ones soothed,
Many distinctions, but together they stood,
realizing alone, there are none who are good,
but the Lord displayed favor, on sinners so hostile,
and so we remain, Together for the Gospel.

This was my experience at this year's Together for the Gospel Conference in Louisville, KY. The conference took place at the Kentucky Convention Center after the Galt House was maxed out in 2006. 5000 or so (mostly) men and women rushed into the auditorium to hear the Word of God preached by the faithful men standing on the platform with the ever-changing backdrop that displayed the characters T4G '08. Each time we entered the auditorium to find a seat, we were graciously greeted with a stack of complimentary books including at least one from each of the presenters present. Although the auditorium was boomy and impossible to light, the cold metal structure was transformed into a sanctuary of synergy as people from various denominations, cultures, and backgrounds gathered together to glorify God through the preaching of His word, the singing of His praise, and the fellowship of His people.

For me, this was the true exhibition of worship in spirit and truth. We heard from the likes of Ligon Duncan, Thabiti Anyabwile, John MacArthur, Mark Dever, R.C. Sproul, Albert Mohler, John Piper and C.J. Mahaney as they delivered faithful expositions ranging from 'The Doctrine of Absolute Inability' to 'How the Supremacy of Christ Creates Radical Christian Sacrifice'. Nearly every sermon was followed by an intelligent, though sometimes comical, discussion between the mainstay speakers (Dever, Duncan, Mahaney & Mohler) and their guests. Not only were we privy to the profound friendship between these men and given access to their conversations, but we were also blessed in participatory events, by way of singing.

In an attempt to appeal to the vast distinctions in style of music that is the norm for most attendees, a simplified ensemble was utilized. One man, a piano, and 5000 voices projecting high into the rafters would do just fine. If you are not yet familiar with Bob Kauflin and the wealth of giftedness that is in him and Sovereign Grace Music, it is a necessity that you acquaint yourself with swiftness. The simplicity of the music was the perfect compliment to the complexities of the content. The words of the songs flowed seamlessly with the truths we were being taught, and the depths of the discussions we observed. No where else has the truth in the previously stated verse been so well-displayed in my experience.

It was hard to leave such a truth-telling, Christ-centered, glory-filled arena, but C.J. reminded the attendees that Conference life is not real life. He exhorted us to take the truths we've learned and walk in them and not to forget to communicate them to our wives back home, who were doing the real work this week of managing the households and children while we were away.

This was my first Together for the Gospel, but it won't (lord-willing) be my last. I encourage all who couldn't make it, to download the sessions and listen intently, then put it on your calendar for 2010.


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Resources
www.t4g.org
    - Session Downloads: http://t4g.org/08/media/
    - Music Listing: http://t4g.org/08/music/
    - Photos: http://t4g.org/08/photo/

www.sovereigngracemusic.org