Chattanooga - Day 3

Today was an unexpected blessing. I had anticipated a down day today, studying in my room. I spoke with David Lawson yesterday, he’s in charge of Student Ministries and Pastoral care. He’s been a big help with my class schedule and recommended a great class for the end of the week while also suggesting I could pass on Wednesday’s class on Word Studies as I have some background in that area already.

So, there I was, with a free day before me, thinking I would sleep in and spend the day studying, munching on pretzels and watching old movies. I got an email from Betty Aiello about 8 PM suggesting I sit in and audit their class on Jude in the morning. I figured I would go ‘if I got up on time’, an unlikely event

I didn’t set my alarm.

Naturally, I was wide awake at 6:10 AM. While doing my devotions, I was struck by being here in Chattanooga with a free day and the opportunity to study Gods word with some great folks I’ve met or just sit around for the day. “Hey, I can go to Lookout Mountain!” So, I prayed for a bit and carefully consider my options but the Holy Spirit won out……I caved…….I got cleaned up and went in to class.

I’m so thankful for that email and for being woke up early. Here’s what I would have missed:

Breakfast was another great meal. The head chef, Mark Holland is an absolute wizard of the kitchen. We have eaten gourmet meals since I got here (except for last night when I went back t my room early to reflect and absorb what I had seen for the first two days.) This guy produces phenomenal meals in a buffet/cafeteria setting. Filing through the line each day, I’m awestruck by how many of these folks he is familiar with…”Hi, Nancy! Here’s your eggs, half a waffle, no syrup and no bacon.” He obviously has the spiritual gift of ‘menus’. He really is a world class chef!

This is just another in a long line of indicators that Precepts takes their ministry seriously and goes way overboard in trying to serve their students in a surprisingly high quality style. We’ve seen this type of dedication and commitment at John MacArthur’s “Shepherd’s Conference” and Alistair Begg’s “Basics” conference. How these ministries are able to provide this level of instruction and service for the low prices they charge is still a mysterious blessing to me but a very welcome one.

I had the opportunity to meet Jack Arthur, Kay’s husband. He was, very much like Kay, a very gracious and godly individual. I was startled to hear that this man, with a firm handshake, a sparkle in his eye and obvious energy in his step, is over 80 years old! A testimony to living right and walking in God’s calling.

Betty has been really great in introducing me to everyone she knows. She knows a lot of the folks here and also is familiar with how things are done. There are a number of folks here who have attended her classes in Culpeper (Sue and Aruna have been great breakfast partners) and they have been a joy to be with. These ladies are staying here on campus in the dorms which seem to be full.

After breakfast, I went to the Jude classroom and got there in time to listen to a discussion of the material covered the day before. These folks have been to a few Precepts Training Seminars and are well prepared to discuss the results of their study. Again, I am impressed with their capability and willingness to allow the text to speak for itself. Even the instructor, when pressed to pursue off-tangent subjects, reorients on the text, “That’s not the main focus of this passage so we will leave that for another study.” I greatly appreciate that this method of study leads the reader to come to their own, well informed and carefully studied conclusions. It really does allow the student to formulate their own opinion, particularly in the area of doctrine, rather than teaching a certain viewpoint or position.

During a break, I stopped by the Logos Software booth (the only vendor present at the conference) to talk to John Fallahee. Now, bear in mind I had just been challenged and somewhat enlightened by the discussion in the Jude class. John began helping me with my Logos Bible Study software and we began talking. As usual at a conference, we eventually got around to discussing our influences. I was very pleasantly surprised to hear that we not only shared very much the same regard and respect for many of the same people but that John was personally familiar with John MacArthur, John Piper and a host of others. As we discussed their methods of study and approach to the text in preparing for a sermon (a treat all in itself), John began to show me some things the software did that I was unaware of and then shared with me a few key points of how he personally prepares. What he had to tell me about his approach blew me away! I got really excited and sat down with my computer to see if it worked for me and it does!

After lunch I got a chance to talk to Chris, from New Orleans. This is all new to him. He’s a great and humble guy and it was truly a blessing to see the fire in his eyes and his newly aroused passion to dive deeply into the Scriptures. He’s currently a realtor with God’s calling heavily upon him. He’s here and excited because his Pastor, Vic, discipled him and sponsored him.

Dinner was another blessing. More great food (how can I ever return to eating like a normal person?). Jack Arthur sat down at our table, I was with another Pastor from Chattanooga, Jim, and his wife. My on the spot impression of Mr. Arthur from this morning was accurate. He's a great guy and is passionate about his ministry and his family. I pray I have his energy and fervor when I'm his age.

So, after all I’ve seen in the last 3 days, I’m pumped up and eager to see what the next few day have in store.