Ligonier Pastor's Conference

Steve Lawson on the Eclipse of God

"What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us."-- A.W. Tozer

A high view of God leads to high living. Low views of God lead to low living. One of the greatest struggle in our hour of life is that the glory of God is eclipsed.

We have theological problems in the church. ie. ECT, Arminianism, Open Theism, Health/Wealth Gospel. In reality God's glory is not diminished, but these things have obscured his glory. Low theology leads to low doxology.

Faithful Bible exposition has been replaced with entertainment. God's glory has been obscured by our pattern of worship.

Our methodology is extremely pragmatic. ie. Purpose Driven Church. (see page 219). This is very different than what we find in Acts 16 when the Lord is the one who opened the heart of Lydia.

The eclipse of God is killing us! We must come back to a God-centered pulpit. God-centered evangelism and a God-centered ministry. Man can build a booming church but only God can build a church.

Psalm 93

The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty;the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt.Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old;you are from everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O Lord,the floods have lifted up their voice;the floods lift up their roaring. Mightier than the thunders of many waters,mightier than the waves of the sea,the Lord on high is mighty!
Your decrees are very trustworthy;holiness befits your house,O Lord, forevermore.

I. The Sovereign Rule of God vs. 1-2 The most fundamental truth of all is "God Is/He reigns!" This is a clear statement of God.

A. He reign is exclusive

B. His reign is constant.

C. He reigns actively

D. He reigns irresistibly.

E. He reigns majestically.

F. He reigns powerfully.

G. He reigns immutably

H. He reigns eternally

II. The sinful rebellion of man vs. 3-4 Notice that the waves have been "lifted-up" three different ways/times. What is this flood? Ocean represents chaos/disorder of mankind. There is unrest against God. Man is at an uproar against God. "Sin will always make you stupid." God is greater than these waves. Psalm 2: 1-7

III. The sure salvation of God vs. 5 God will honor his word. God mediates his sovereign rule on earth through his word. It is his word to his people. Church is not a democracy. It is theocratic. God tells it like it is. His word is a faithful and true witness. God's word will forever come to pass. His word is living and active. The word produces holiness. (separation from sin) Holiness is produced by the faithful exposition of God's word. People can only grow through the truth of the word. It sanctifies. What will be the lasting effect? An eternal ministry. If you want to do ministry. If you want to do ministry that has an eternal impact..., preach the word. Wood, hay and stubble burns. God's precious stones are purified.

The greatest issue facing a church is not who is on the outside, or who is on the inside, but who is seated on the throne? This is our view of God.

God-centered is God driven.

"The secret of Calvin's ministry was that no one had a more profound view of God than Calvin."--BB Warfield