Text and Context Conference: Session 2, C.J. Mahaney

After a 20 minute break which included the longest line for a male restroom that I've ever seen (8 toilets for 1200 men!), C.J. Mahaney commenced the second session of the conference. C.J. preached 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 under the title, Pastoral Character and Loving People. C.J. refers to this text as, "A compelling example of cross-centered ministry that can make all the difference in your ministry."C.J.'s message unpacked the divine perspective that the apostle Paul had for the Corinthian church, a divine perspective that ought to drive pastoral ministry as it celebrates God's initiative in salvation and sanctification. C.J. outlined 3 aspects of the divine perspective Paul had of the Corinthian church:1. His understanding of God's call.

• Here C.J. posed to pastors the penetrating question: In dealing with your people, are you more aware of divine initiative, or more aware of areas of present immaturity?

2. His recognition of God's grace

• Here C.J. asked pastors: When it comes to your family and your church, are you more aware of evidences of God's grace in their life, or more aware of areas in need of adjustment?

3. His confidence in God's faithfulness.

• What I treasured most about C.J.'s message was his sharing of his testimony in which he repeated the line, "God acted upon me...God acted upon me," emphasizing God's sovereign initiative in his conversion. If you haven't heard C.J.'s testimony before, for this reason alone you'll want to get the audio of his message.

• What most convicted me from C.J.'s message was this imperative: "Do not correct anyone you don't have faith for and affection toward." Upon hearing that statement I immediately repented. I want to memorize this line and live by it as a pastor. If you're a pastor, put C.J.'s message in your "must listen to" file.

After C.J.'s message I enjoyed great conversation and a great feast with Eric and Bob at Old Town Ale House.Presently, as John Piper's message is getting underway, I'm sitting with C.J. and the guys. I gave him "knuckles" for his great message.