Basics 2008 – Session 1, Jerry Bridges

We had a great trip up to Cleveland....then we ran into these guys!


Alistair Begg opened the conference, urging us to pray for three things to happen while we are here; renewal of a right spirit within us restoration of our joy and refreshment.

Jerry Bridges led the first session, quoting form John Owens, "Triune God" and laying the 2 fold premise that the gospel is written for sinners and we are still sinners.

1) We are still sinners Matt 5:3-4. We do not usually exhibit outward an obvious sins be we all still tolerate the inner, hidden sins like pride, envy, anger, etc. The ones who mourn over their sin realize this. This is where 'Preaching the Gospel to Ourselves' begins, by realizing our own sin. "I am a great sinner, thank God He is a great savior!" We should realize our own sin and repent on a daily basis. Our daily communion with God should have as its' foundation the consideration of our own sin. Without that, we will never fully comprehend His grace. We try to avoid this because it prevents us from feeling good about ourselves. God's intention is not for us to feel good about ourselves, it is for us to feel good about Christ. The recognition of our sin should drive us to the cross. If it doesn't, we have no other choice but to begin defending our actions and justifying our sin. Once we admit our guilt, we can enter into the fullness of God's grace. If we never admit our guilt, we have no need of the cross! Mat 11:48.

The secret of communion with God is found in three words; guilt, grace and gratitude.

1 Peter 5 – the sermon they heard…..What does a person do who is struggling but not making much progress? Isaiah 53:6…he preaches the gospel to himself in order to put things into perspective. This begins to build our faith and take our eyes off of our progress and place them on Jesus.

Gal 2:15-16 is about justification by faith, not by law. Many mistake this passage for a description of sanctification but the context here is focused on justification. Justification is an event that occurs at a point in time. Sanctification is an ongoing event. This is why Paul took his sins to the cross every day and repented.

A great opening to the Conference. then we went to dinner....Bar-B-Q!