It was encouraging to hear the two John’s expound the scriptures. John Piper continued his well known emphasis on the glory and praise of God as the means of our greatest pleasure and happiness. John Lennox, the Oxford mathematician, took us through parts of Acts as he related how the gospel confronts and is confronted by the modern world, especially by aggressive anti-theists.
It was the word of God that was encouraging to me – to hear God speak again and remind me of who he is and what he is doing.
It was encouraging to hear a panel of those who minister to younger generations. To hear that they try many things, and that it is difficult, and that what works is usually connected to helping people hear what God says. To hear about some novel and thought out ways of ministering to young people.
It was encouraging to listen to an elective about Burnout and Engagement, and to hear about research being done on what church leaders do and could do to improve their general well-being, health and effectiveness. To be reminded of five key elements: Diet; Relaxation and disengagement; Exercise; Sleep; and good Thinking.
It was encouraging to sing God’s praises together and remember that this was a small part of Christ’s body, a small part of the great number of labourers in his kingdom. To see that he is still doing his work in Australia, still bringing people to Christ, still raising up people to proclaim the gospel, still growing churches throughout this nation.
Dale