It’s over. I feel like I just got off the bus after summer camp. But it was a great two-plus days.

At Band of Bloggers, seeing and/or meeting people who I mainly interact with through the internet was great. Among these folks and throughout the week I enjoyed seeing/talking to/meeting/hanging out with a bunch of people, including Drew, Massimo, Ryan, Brandon, Justin, Chris, Tony, Trevin, Owen, Abraham, Timmy, Hank, Aaron, and others.

Another highlight was the phat hook up of free books (24 free books between Band of Bloggers and the general conference!). I plan on giving some of these away (some are duplicates), and many will be helpful and encouraging reading.

The general sessions were very helpful. The things that I’ll remember from each session are:

Ligon Duncan: Systematic theology is not a peripheral issue to preachers or the Christian life.

Thabiti Anyabwile: “Race” is a false category. We are all united in Adam as those created in God’s image.

John MacArthur: We are all completely unable and unwilling to choose good because of our sin.

Mark Dever: Keep the simple, biblical Gospel and don’t try to “improve” it.

R.C. Sproul: Jesus bore the depths of God’s wrath and damnation.

Al Mohler: Denying penal substitution is much more insidious and dangerous than we even realize.

John Piper: The sweetest fellowship with Christ is the fellowship of his sufferings. Love Christ more than anything (including my wife or ministry).

C.J. Mahaney: Be grateful and stop complaining. Be a joyful pastor (or future pastor!).

Overall, the messages from Sproul, Piper, and Mahaney hit my soul the hardest.

It was a wonderful conference. I am taking C.J. Mahaney’s advice: tonight I am taking my wife out to dinner to thank her for letting me go, and to share with her what I have learned.