Edwards spent his life preparing for death.

Dr. R.C. Sproul's father died well. Though a non-Christian teenager at the time, the future Dr. Sproul was present as his father died uttering the words, "I have kept the faith. I have finished the race." The resurrection taught Dr. Sproul's father how to die well--a lesson he passed onto his son.

What would happen if every time we spoke of the gospel we got it wrong? Would our evangelistic efforts introduce people to the wrong Jesus? It is imperative that we know, believe, and proclaim no other gospel than the one delivered by Jesus Himself. In these lectures from Ligonier Ministries' 2008 National Conference, Sinclair Ferguson, John MacArthur, C.J. Mahaney, R.C. Sproul, and Joni Eareckson Tada teach the different aspects of the good news of Jesus Christ and explain how they must impact our lives and our evangelism.

Does Grace Grow Best in Winter? addresses the issue of suffering from the standpoint of the sovereignty of God. It teaches that we need to learn that suffering exists, and we need to learn to suffer. Includes study questions."If you are presently suffering, this book is for you. And if you are not, this book is still for you—in preparation for the trials that will undoubtedly come. Regardless of your current circumstances, Does Grace Grow Best in Winter? will help you perceive God’s purpose in suffering, receive God’s grace in trials, and draw near to our great high priest, who suffered the unimaginable horrors of the cross for us." — C.J. Mahaney

What would happen if every time we spoke of the gospel we got it wrong? Would our evangelistic efforts introduce people to the wrong Jesus? It is imperative that we know, believe, and proclaim no other gospel than the one delivered by Jesus Himself. Ligonier Ministries hosted its 2008 National Conference, Evangelism According to Jesus, in Orlando, FL. Sinclair Ferguson, John MacArthur, C.J. Mahaney, R.C. Sproul, and Joni Eareckson Tada teach the different aspects of the good news of Jesus Christ and explain how they must impact our lives and our evangelism.

In 2008, R.C. Sproul shared a panel discussion with Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, and Albert Mohler. They discussed the centrality of the cross in Christian ministry, challenges in preaching, and the necessity of the Holy Spirit to apply the truth and the power of the gospel to the hearts of those who sit under its preaching.

Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

In 2006, R.C. Sproul shared a panel discussion with Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, and Albert Mohler. They discussed the doctrine of justification, the role of the law and good works in the Christian life, and the responsibility of pastors to maintain the centrality of the gospel in their preaching and teaching.

Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.

Ligonier Ministries is pleased to announce that Matt McGhee has joined the team heading up our Spanish language outreach. This is a seminal step for Ligonier, as it marks a concerted effort to develop our Spanish ministry and to strategically address the needs of specific international regions. Now is a pivotal time in the history of the Latin-American church. Trustworthy discipleship resources are urgently needed to serve our brothers and sisters as they grow in their faith and in true biblical practice.

Background

Before coming to us, Matt served as the International Director for Wisdom and Integrity Ministries, where he worked closely with Miguel Núñez, a prominent pastor-theologian in the Spanish world. Prior to this, he worked as the National Development Manager for Trans World Radio—the world’s largest evangelical media organization.

Matt also helped to organize the major biennial conference in the Dominican Republic, Por Su Causa, which drew such men as John Piper, John MacArthur, Al Mohler, Mark Dever, C.J. Mahaney, and leaders within Latin America. Matt was responsible for initiating Por Su Causa Grupal, in which 150 churches in 25 countries hosted this conference as a live event last year. Ligonier also distributed thousands of Christology Statements at the main venue in Santo Domingo.

Dawn of a Reformation

Now is a time worth marking in the history of the Spanish-speaking church. Matt states the matter plainly: “We’re at the dawn of a Reformation, especially amongst the 25 to 40-year-old demographic. We’re a generation that researches and thinks, and that extends into the spiritual component as well. Young people are flocking to Reformed theology for two reasons: one, the Lord is pouring out His grace, and two, a lot of people have become weary of show that’s not bearing a lot of James-type good works.”

Matt’s work to develop and disseminate sound resources clearly reflects his passion to edify the Spanish church, and his extensive travels have given him an accurate view of her struggles. “I think the biggest challenge facing the Latin-American church is a lack of Scriptural understanding from Genesis to Revelation,” he said in an interview. “That leads to problems in leadership, in the home, in men’s roles and women’s roles; it leads to abuse of power within the church; it also leads to syncretism mixed with animism, which is why Pentecostalism and Neo-Pentecostalism are so prevalent.”

Rick Denham, Executive Director of Editora Fiel and International Director of 9Marks, also notes the pervasive Roman Catholic influence on the society: “The priesthood of all believers has never really been realized in the Spanish world. ‘Everyone’s a theologian’ as Dr. Sproul says, but for healthy churches to exist we need good resources that not only train leaders but equip people to be living, active members of the body of Christ.”

Adding to this, Miguel Núñez describes the sparse leadership and structure which characterizes the Latin American church at many levels. “There is a weakness in the area of worship,” he says, “which in many cases has been very superficial, emotional and empty of content. This is

"As the star of the television series Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe suits up and labors in some of the most dirty and dangerous work environments possible. To date, he hasn’t tried pastoring. But pastoring qualifies as a dirty job, which is reflected in the most common biblical metaphor for the job: shepherd. Being a shepherd is difficult, demanding, and — if done well — exhausting. Pastors with any experience in the field will know exactly what I mean."

This is how C.J. Mahaney introduces the subject of his article in the current issue of Tabletalk: Happy Pastors.

"Take sermon preparation," he says. "The work is hard, repetitive, and impossible to avoid, outgrow, or expedite. You spend hours of hard work over the text, and at some point you review your sermon manuscript and are embarrassed by what you see. Maybe you find yourself tired, confused, and a bit fearful. And you’ll do it all again next week."

Read further encouragement for pastors in Happy Pastors.

A week ago, C.J. Mahaney presented a message at the Ligonier national conference based on 1 Corinthians 15:17, "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins."

We thought it would be appropriate for this Easter weekend.

Note: Answers given reflect the views of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dr. R.C. Sproul and Ligonier Ministries. Here is our Statement of Faith.