Here are my highlights from the Pepperdine Lectures (in no order):
- Great teaching: All of the keynotes were wonderful, challenging, and inpsiring. I really appreciated Rick Atchley and Rich Little’s key note sermon (but that does not take away from the rest). The expository classes by Paul Pollard and Ron Cox were awsome. Hearing Randy Harris share insight from some of the world’s most influential philosophers of the modern era and how a Christian might respond was well worth the time (especially for those of us who have ever tried to read Western Philosophy).
- Great Worship: From the gatherings at the Firestone Fieldhouse to joining Mike Cope and Zoe Worship, it was awesome. When we sang “We Shall Assemble”, “How I Love the Great Redeemer” and “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”, I had chills running down my spine.
- Great Fellowship: I ran into some old familiar faces, while meeting new faces including some faces of people I know through the blogosphere. Also seeing the elders (and their wives) from the Townwest Church of Christ in Taylor, Texas and their new Preacher and his wife (thanks for inviting me too dinner with y’all).
- Great honors: It was nice seeing some people who have served God around the world be recognized for their years of faithful service. Missionaries are our unsung heros. Also of importance and blessing was attending the honorary dinner for Evertt and Ileene Huffard (Dr. E. Huffard is a former professor of mine), both of whom have been a godly blessing to so many over the years.
- Great Food: The Pepperdine Lectureship kept us well fed with eggs, ham, and sausage for breakfast and healthy lunches. Evening Dinner was open and so I tagged along with the Townwest gang, which included a trip to the Marmalade Grill for some awsome Blackened Ahi Tacos (I get hungry thinking about them).
- Great beauty: Just imagine standing on the mountain side in 70 degree weather underneath a coupld of palm trees and blue skies as you stare out across the Pacific ocean into the horizon…nothing more needs to be said. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skied proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps 19.1, TNIV).
I cannot wait for next year.
