“Till our faith is turned to sight” - Christ’s second coming, the Christian’s certain hope “Raised with Him to endless life” - Union with Christ, His resurrection, and ours “Justice has been satisfied” - Propitiation “For my life He bled and died” - The bloody, substitutionary atonement Look at how much doctrine he put into just 4 simple lines: Without it, the hymn is beautiful and encouraging, but it’s not distinctly Christian. But I’m especially grateful for the third verse of the hymn, which he penned himself. And mercy, is he gifted! I especially thanked him for giving the church “He Will Hold Me Fast.” His tune is just gorgeous, and it makes the old text soar. Adequate!) Matt is joyful, humble, and gracious. (His pastoring mentor was Mark Dever and his hymn-writing mentor is Keith Getty.

I was blessed to share some conversations and a meal with Matt Merker, who has recently moved from serving at Capitol Hill Baptist Church to serving with the Gettys. Killian Hill Baptist Church and Church Works Media are blessed to have him! Despite a challenging layout and “warehouse” acoustics, his choir nailed it, singing joyfully of Christ. He had just an hour to rehearse 2 pieces with around 200 singers, and he was absolutely in his element.

Greg Habegger-of all the music directors in our immense city-was asked to lead a volunteer choir on the last night of the conference.

I enjoyed every interaction I had with Devon, who (like his dad) is exceptionally gracious and kind.

During a plenary session I was able to introduce the doctrine contained in “His Robes for Mine,” which Devon Kauflin then led.

The session was fun, and it was a blessing to be able to encourage people to intentionally choose hymns (old and new) that are overtly doctrinal, Christ-centered, and congregational.

I taught one of the breakout sessions on the topic “Theology that Sticks,” providing a biblical grid for choosing exceptional hymns.

Bob Kauflin moderated the discussion, which also included his son Devon, Keith Getty, Phillip Webb, and my old friend Scott Aniol (who I was surprised and pleased to see after something like a decade).

I was invited to participate in a Q&A panel at the pre-conference on congregational singing.

We were able to serve many believers, and we established relationships which may in time turn into collaborations. The fellowship and networking was a joy, and Paul’s ministry continues to be a game-changer for CWM.

Paul Keew (who worked and worked and worked, both before and during the conference) was able to make a number of connections with people at a display we set up.

What did Church Works Media’s involvement look like? Here’s a quick summary: People have a growing and unmistakable desire to hear the Word faithfully and unapologetically preached Praise the Lord for what He is doing and for Josh’s vision! And there seems to be a realignment of sorts-a coming together of like-minded believers whose commitment to the Scriptures reminds me of the fundamentalists of the early 20th century. People have a growing and unmistakable desire to hear the Word faithfully and unapologetically preached. Is there a need for another? Over 5,000 people from all over the country (and world) answered with a resounding YES! Interestingly, I think G3 is the most conservative of the large conferences I’ve attended, including many I just listed. To be honest, had I been asked if there were a need (or market) for another large conference, I would have been skeptical There are already conferences like Shepherds’ Conference, T4G, Gospel Coalition conferences, the Basics Conference, Ligonier, and countless other national and regional gatherings. To be honest, had I been asked if there were a need (or market) for another large conference, I would have been skeptical. The organizer, under whose watch the conference attendance has grown from several hundred to about 5,000 in 8 short years, is a recent friend of mine, Pastor Josh Buice. The theme this year was “WORSHIP,” a topic addressed from multiple angles during the conference. For those unfamiliar with the conference (as I was until just a few years ago, despite living in Atlanta), the G3 Conference is primarily a preaching event featuring exceptional preachers like John MacArthur, Joel Beeke, Voddie Baucham, Steve Lawson, Tim Challies, Paul Washer, Derek Thomas, Phil Johnson, and others. A few weeks ago, Church Works Media was able to participate in the 2020 G3 Conference.

G3 conference 2016 sermons