Is the Church to submit to her own Husband, or is she to go whoring after the provision and comfort of the state? Subjects addressed will include the duty of elders to preach the Word with boldness to the issues of the day, the dangers of incorporating churches as creatures of the state, the pitfalls of seeking c 3 IRS recognition for supposed tax benefits, and much more. Good afternoon. It's an honor to be with you. Delighted to be starting on time this time and I have to commend the attendees of this conference.
So many stayed and either missed their lunch or certainly had it cut short this morning after our session started just a little bit late. And it's telling to me about where real appetites lie in the group that has attended this conference. There's a real hunger for the things of God and the word of God and even so much so that we're satisfied to put off our physical food for a little while, sometimes to be fed spiritually.
And I trust and pray that we have enjoyed that together thus far and just ask that you'll join with me now in prayers. We ask the Lord to continue to direct our steps. Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to speak about your word and your church. Lord, to encourage and edify Your people. Lord, to be sharpened one by another and God by Your Word.
Lord, we ask that You would be honored, that You would be glorified. I pray that the saints here would be taught and edified and encouraged. And Lord, I pray that Your church would be strengthened. Lord, that the name of Christ would be exalted, the Gospel would be advanced, and oh Heavenly Father that You would be glorified and honored in all that is said and all that is done.
Please direct my words and Lord, give the right filters of understanding so that the very message that you would have communicated is precisely what is accomplished. Father, we thank you that you are indeed sovereign. You are our defender, our fortress, our rock, and God, we love you. And Lord, we pray these things in His precious and holy name. Well, I'll have to admit to you that I'm not all together comfortable with the title of my talk.
