To start off, on Wednesday morning we met at 8:00 a.m. to eat breakfast. We went to the McDonalds a few blocks away from our hotel. This McDonalds had a beautiful view of the city because one of the dining areas was on the second floor. Upon finishing breakfast, we rode the shuttle by 9:00 a.m., and made it just in time to hear James MacDonald speak from Psalm 25 on “Not According to our Sins” (the brief summary can be read here).
Following lunch break, there were three consecutive workshop sessions. Each workshop session was approximately an hour and a half long. Of the thirteen workshops we could choose from, for the first workshop I attended the one hosted by Russell Moore and Voddie Baucham on ‘Orphans and Adoption.’ Personally, I thought it was an amazing workshop, and it further confirmed and ignited my passion for foster care. During the workshop, Voddie Baucham stated that Jacob (from the Bible) did not adopt Ephraim and Manasseh because he needed sons. Rather, he adopted them as an expression of love for Joseph. Consequently, we should adopt not to fill a void, but out of our love for God, because we are adopted into God’s family out of God’s love for us. Secondly, Russell Moore, who is the teaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church, also talked about the subject, and how in his fifteen years of working with infertile couples and/or parents who have been praying for children, he has never seen God not provide children for parents who want children. Though it may not work out exactly the way the parents expect, he has always seen God provide one way or the other. If this is the case, I realized that there are not enough Christian parents who are praying for children, because there are so many children in need. Overall, I really grasped the necessity and importance of godly parenting in regards to adoption, not only as an act of social justice, but also for the children to be adopted into the covenant of God.
For the second round of workshops, I attended one hosted by Stephen Um and Julius Kim on ‘Asian American Christian Thought and Theological History: Pastoral Implications for Diversity and Innovation in a Multiracial Church’ with Ann and Jay. This workshop touched on the cultural differences of most Asian Americans, and a few implications for understanding and opening up diversity in the church. Personally, this workshop helped me to understand a few things about myself, which led me to be more forgiving of certain things I was lacking in.
Following the third workshop, we went to Lou Malnati’s at 5:00 for a taste of Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Though we waited close to an hour, the pizza was the experience of a lifetime. The sausage, cheese, and crust were unlike any other, and were absolutely amazing.
Upon finishing dinner, we headed back to the convention center by 7:00 to hear Conrad Mbewe speak on "The Righteous Branch" from Jeremiah 23:1-8. Pastor Mbewe, also known as the African Spurgeon, spoke about the ultimate king for the people of God. He stated that as leadership goes, so do the people of God. Though God raised human leaders, they were always over throne by sin. As a result, the unrighteousness of the leaders seeped through to the unrighteousness of the people. However, the ultimate leader for the people of God would not be defeated by sin, for since the book of Genesis, God promises hope, a “righteous branch (Zechariah 6:12).” With the coming of Jesus came the restoration of leadership, and the hope for all people to trust in Him. Pastor Mbewe’s sermon reminded me that God is the only one I should trust in.
Following, Matt Chandler spoke on “Youth" from Ecclesiastes 11:9~12:14. He reiterated the importance of remembering what Christ has done, because through remembrance we can experience true joy. He further stated that if we remember rightly, we will rejoice rightly. Going back to the passage on Ecclesiastes, it is not about rejoicing in our youth, but rejoicing in being redeemed. Though all speakers were unbelievably amazing in their own right, Matt Chandler’s sermon on “Youth” absolutely blew me away. Again, it helped remind me of God’s good promises and faithfulness regardless of the circumstances.
Though what I learned throughout the conference cannot be emphasized enough through writing, personally, The Gospel Coalition was an amazing time to reflect on God’s goodness, faithfulness, and steadfastness. Though I am sad the conference ended last week, the start of a journey that begins is exciting, and I look forward to what lies ahead. –DS
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