A Gospel-Centered Marriage

Have you ever been listening to a sermon and about half way through you just had to stop? Kind of a loaded question I know. You're probably thinking, "yeah, it was so bad, I had to turn it off." To which, I would respond, "I'm not talking about one of my sermons!" What I mean is that what you're hearing is so rich, so packed with Truth, so convicting...well you just had to stop, repent, seek the Lord NOW before you heard anymore. That was the case when I heard a message entitled "A Gospel-Centered Marriage" by Paul Martin. I was directed to the message yesterday by my brother Julian Freeman through facebook (you see...facebook isn't all evil!).

In his words:

"If you are married, ever intend on being married, want to know more about gospel-centred marriage, or know someone who is married, I cannot recommend enough that you listen to this sermon on gospel-centred marriage. You will be convicted and your soul will be blessed and encouraged as you think about how Christ’s glory displayed in the gospel is the reason and power for marriage."

I thank God for those times when I just have to stop and "get my house in order"! I thank God for yesterday, and the blessing of family. I thank God for being God.

Love in the Truth.

Toronto Pastors Fellowship

Yesterday I attended what was the first, and Lord willing not the last, meeting of the Toronto Pastors Fellowship. Pastor Paul Martin presented a paper entitled "Pastor: Mentor the Young Men!" It should be available for download shortly in both PDF and audio formats.

Before I give my thoughts on the paper, it would be appropriate to give a big "shout out" to Julian Freeman for all his hard work in getting this off the ground. There were many others as well from Grace Fellowship Church who have lent their talents to these meetings. To all of whom I say, well done!

Now for the paper:
Really all I can say is that you should read it if you get the chance! It was a great mix of solid biblical truth as well as transparent personal experience delivered in humility. I say humility because our brother Paul received a rather "sharp" rebuke from Dr Michael A.G. Haykin, Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality at Southern Baptist Seminary, in regards to a note about Martyn Lloyd-Jones not being a mentor to other men. (The term "sharp" is used in jest. If you know Dr. Haykin, you know he is both humble and gracious, not to mention brilliant when it comes to Church History!) Anyway, all that to say it was quite humorous to see our brother Paul have a "note to self" moment!

If you are able to attend the Toronto Pastors Fellowship, I would highly recommend it. It is truly a blessing to be with "pastors delighting in God to the glory of God together."