The schedule and titles are now finalized for Clarus 09 with Drs. Ray Ortlund and Sam Storms (May 1-3):

FRIDAY

(6:15 PM – Singing Begins)

6:30 PM – 6:45 PM – Welcome, etc.

6:45 PM – 7:45 PM – Session 1 with Ray Ortlund:
“True Spirituality: Delighting in Truth” (Psalm 1)

7:45 PM – 8:00 PM – Break/Singing

8:00 PM – 9:00 PM –  Session 2 with Sam Storms:
“Jonathan Edwards on Religious Affections: the Soul Set on Fire for God”

SATURDAY

(8:45 AM – Singing Begins)

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM – Session 3 with Ray Ortlund:
“False Spirituality: Flirting Around” (2 Corinthians 11:1-4)

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM – Break/Singing

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM – Session 4 with Sam Storms:
“Enjoying Election: Finding Delight in God’s Decree”

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM – Lunch

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Panel Discussion

(6:45 PM – Singing Begins)

7:00 PM – 8:15 PM – Session 5 with Ray Ortlund:
“Dangerous Moderation: the Nausea of Christ” (Revelation 3:14-22)

8:15 PM – 9:00 PM – Panel Discussion

SUNDAY

9:00 AM – Corporate Worship with Sam Storms Preaching:
“Delighting Ourselves in the Lord: Why Joy in God Matters” (Psalm 37:4)

10:45 AM – Corporate Worship with Ray Ortlund Preaching:
“Break Through: No Other Desire” (Psalm 73)

Ray Ortlund, Jr., who will, Lord willing, be with us for Clarus ’09 in May, is the author of a number of great books, including When God Comes to Church: A Biblical Model for Revival Today. Yesterday, Bob Kauflin posted some wonderful summaries and quotes of Ray’s book:

Hindering the Blessing of the Spirit

We cannot trigger a divine visitation on our churches, but it is our responsibility prayerfully to offer our Lord a church steeped in the gospel and tenderly responsive to his presence. His Spirit’s blessing should not have to work against the logic and ethos we create. (17) Does my church function with a logic or ethos that hinders the blessing of God’s Spirit? Are we dependent on technology, manipulation, creativity, or our own giftings to effect change in people? Are we steeped in the gospel and tenderly responsive to his presence? Or do we emphasize what we do and barrel through our plan, hoping some good will come from it?

Settling into Routine

We can settle into a routine of activities at church and in our small groups and Bible studies, with little expectation of anything new. The familiar becomes the predictable, and everything from here on out will be more of the same. We dip our teaspoon into the vast ocean of the living God. Holding that teaspoon in our hand, we say, “This is God.” We pour it out into our lives, and we say, “This is the Christian Experience.” (41) Do our lives reflect the power, wonder, glory, love, and holiness of the living God? Do we downplay people’s expectations of knowing Jesus Christ?

God is Patient, Not Us

We must not think of God as a cosmic miser, reluctantly parceling out meager blessings. Instead, we should think of ourselves as constantly hassling him with endless, rude entreaties. He is astonishingly patient and kind. (55) How often to I assume that when God doesn’t answer my prayers, the problem is with him, not me? How often do I miss the countless ways he has already poured out his blessings?

Methods Matter

A repentant church understands that methods are never value-free but always reveal where our trust really lies. (75) It’s “risky” to trust fully and completely in God’s promise to actively work through his appointed means – the preaching of his Word, the proclaiming of the gospel, and the fellowship of his people (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 11:26; Mt. 18:20).

The Proof that the Spirit is With Us

So what is the proof that the Spirit is being poured out on us? The voice of the church rings with prophetic clarity. The people of God are no longer passive, intimidated, unresponsive, uncertain. They are no longer preoccupied with self, convenience, comfort. They are no longer complaining, whining, griping. Instead, they become outspoken in God’s praises and gospel truth, “declaring the wonders of God” (Acts 2:11). (87) To turn us from self-exaltation to Christ-exaltation, from self-focus to Christ-focus, is a true mark of God’s presence in our midst.

Active, but Not Alive

The church is to be set a part by spirituality. Revival triggers a firm rejection of the foolish devices of carnality firing up the engine of the church and a joyous rediscovery of the awesome power of simple, biblical spirituality. The revival of a dead church occurs through spiritual awakening granted by God, not through our programs and devices. If a church is invigorated with other animating forces, it may be active but it is not alive. (120) May God protect us from having the appearance of life in our churches and ministries – activities, programs, busy-ness, full schedules – and no true life, which can only come through the gospel and the power of God’s Spirit.

What are You Expecting?

God is not limited to our past experiences, our traditions, or what we think the church’s next step should be. We must leave room for divine mystery, for surprise. God never acts our of character but he does exceed our expectations. (31) What are you expecting God to do in and through your life this year? Are you anticipating that you might be surprised?

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Ray Ortlund, Jr. is the Pastor of Immanuel Church in Nashville and blogs at Christ is Deeper Still

Bob Kauflin is a Worship Leader guru and blogs at Worship Matters