This year's Next conference was amazing. I came home physically exhausted, but spiritually refreshed, and I am so glad that I was able to go. The time passed by all to quickly, and I am already looking forward to Next 2011 (which will be held in Orlando, FL)!
To get to Baltimore, I rode with Kaitlin, Drew, Liz, Chara, Alexandra, Jeremy, and Andrey. Eight people in eight seats plus luggage made for a slightly tight, but very fun ride. There was lots of laughter in our car especially on the way home when I think the exhaustion made us all a little extra goofy :). I have so many good memories from this drive.
Worship at Next has always been a highlight for me, and this year was no exception. It is so wonderful to praise God with thousands (I heard around 2,500!) of other Christians. I loved how the songs we sang were related to what we were learning in the sermons that day. I loved having the choir that sang with the worship team during one of the sessions. It was also neat to have, during another session, a string band (which Jessi and Jenni participated in) joining.
The teaching that we sat under for several hours each day was also amazing. Here is a brief summary of what was taught.
Friday: Josh Harris spoke on doctrine, and the need to have the right foundation. He said that we need to make sure that our lives match what we say we believe about God, as well as making sure that our doctrine is correct. "We are not here just to learn facts, but truth and meaning." We need to be doers of the Word, and not just hearers- James 1:22
Saturday AM: Mark Dever spoke on "Christ's Work Accomplished and Applied." He spoke about Christ's work on the cross to save us, and he also spoke on our need to follow His example. We need to follow His example in what Christ didn't do as well as in what He did; when Christ was persecuted He did NOT retaliate or threaten, he DID trust God with Himself as well as with His persecutors and the entire outcome. "out answer to being unjustly treated should be to deeply trust God."
Saturday afternoon: Kevin Deyoung spoke on the Bible. He said the first reason that we should trust the Bible is because that "the Spirit testifies to us that this is the Word of God" "We HAVE to start with God" and we cannot use "fallen human reasoning" as a starting point for proving the Bible. It is reasonable to trust the Bible as well, there is more proof for its validity than for many other historic manuscripts. We need to believe what the Bible says, and it is possible for us to understand it. "God gave us His Word, and God wants to be known", "The main things are the plain things, and the plain things are the main things." He also encouraged us to read the Bible frequently as well as to "approach the Bible with the same reverence we would Christ" We also need to spread His Word to to others.
Saturday PM: C.J. Mahaney gave a sermon on sanctification. He reminded us of the difference between Justification ("being declared righteous), and Sanctification ("being made righteous"). We do not have any part in sanctification, but we do play a part in sanctification, it is active not effortless. We are not, however, self-sufficient in this, God is working in us; "our part is only possible because of God's part and we cannot play our part without His power" this power is the same that raised Christ from the dead! "Apart from His work for you [on the cross] there would be no work in you." A struggle against sin is a good sign because before you were saved there was no struggle, you simply just gave in.
Sunday AM: D.A. Carson gave a message on "The Doctrine of God." He noted while describing that God is all-knowing that He even knows what would have happened in different circumstances. He also says that our response to God's revelation of Himself should be unqualified submission.
Sunday PM: Kevin DeYoung gave a message on the Church. He taught that although the Church has its faults, the Church is still Jesus's bride and we should not tolerate insults on Jesus's bride although she may be very ugly at times. We also need to have the right expectations of the Church. He also said "we need fewer revolutionaries and more plodding visionaries" we should not "despise the day of small things" but rather "get on the right road and keep going." We need to attend, pay attention, serve, and love the Church. It takes humility to be a plodding visionary, but "you can be a part of the crowd because God knows your name" and "in all the smallness and sameness God works like a small seed becoming a plant." He called this "a long obedience in the same direction." We should "not despise the days, and weeks, and years of small things"
Monday AM: Jeff Purswell gave a message on the end time. He said that the focus of studying the end times should be to remember that it is Jesus who is returning, and His return will be climactic and triumphant. God's justice is coming, He will make all things right."The purpose of eschatology is to provide hope and motivation for our daily lives now" It can encourage us because there is a certain future, and nothing can cause Christians ultimate harm. We get ready by: "You live your Christian life-rest in Him and live by His Word. Our thoughts when we think about Christ's return reveals how we view the world, what our heart is set on, and where our hope is. "Is Christ's return your blessed hope? Let us yearn for that day of His return"
The fun and fellowship with friends was also great. It was so much fun to spend all day with them worshiping, listening to sermons, eating, talking, etc. Next 2010 was so great, I really hope that I can attend Next 2011!
