2006 Desiring God National Conference – Initial Thoughts

Five months ago at the Together for the Gospel Conference, I first saw the video trailer for the 2006 Desiring God National Conference and said to myself, “Self, you’ve gotta be there.” Well, not really, but at that moment I began making plans for this conference which included reading Wells’ book Above All Earthly Pow’rs and changing my original plans of attending the SBC Annual Meeting in Greensboro. I have never been to Minneapolis and have long desired to visit Bethlehem Baptist Church. Also, over the past years, I have met several folks who are either from BBC or are currently members there and look forward to seeing them in their context.

A couple of days ago, I mentioned that I was looking at some audio books to listen to while driving this week. Well, I have four that I have scheduled to listen to as well as some other sermons and lectures. Here’s what my drive time audio looks like right now:

• A Primer on Postmodernism by Stanley Grenz (audio book)
• Can Evangelicals Learn from World Religions? by Gerald McDermott (audio book)
• The Universe Next Door by James Sire (audio book)
• Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God by J.I. Packer (audio book)
• The Pleasures of God by John Piper (audio book)
• Reform & Resurge Conference audio
• John Piper sermons on sanctification and providence (from Romans)
• Tim Keller sermons on the gospel, church planting, and culture
• SBTS chapel messages to date (for Fall 2006)
• A couple of messages by John Murray on Election and Foreknowledge

When I get back, I think I will post some reflections on what these books and sermons and may offer some recommendations. I have read most of them, but it will be good to listen to them as a different means of assimilation and meditation. There are several things I am wanting God to do in my life this week, and I am praying that He will be pleased to work in me profoundly to conform into the image of His beloved Son, my Treasure.

A couple of people whom I had the pleasure to meet first at the T4G Conference that I especially look forward to hanging out with include Challies, Marc, and Joe. I also look forward to meeting many others for the first time whom I know through their writings either through they blogs or their comments.

Lastly, depending on whether I have an internet connection or not, I will attempt to post up-to-date photos of the speakers and happenings at the conference. When I did this for the T4G conference, it seemed to be received well, so I will give it a try again (I have noticed that Blogger is having problems uploading again, so that too may prevent my posting). Joe told me that Cawley knew of a hot spot for free wifi and good food, so we might be hitting that up upon his recommendation. In any case, I hope to have something up on P&P, so please stay tuned. In the meantime, let me just take a moment to say thanks for reading my blog. There are tons of other things you could do than spend a few moments reading P&P, and I am grateful for your interest, interaction, and encouragement along the way.