Fight- Laugh- Feast 2023

What a refreshing event. This weekend I went to a conference called Fight, Laugh, Feast at the Ark Encounter and I'm telling you being around people who have a desire to see Christ's Kingdom actually be established in our time got me really fired up and excited.

Let me be very upfront. I hold to the following eschatology view: I am a Pre-tribulation rapture Reformed Baptist, and I'm still there, but I'm telling you I REALLY love the passion, drive, and desire of Post-Mil Christians. To see their desire to cultivate, conquer, and create Christian culture, as well as to witness their unwavering hope and optimism that the Gospel can and will transform the culture "NOW!" really is refreshing and it's NEEDED!

I've been listening to Pastor Doug Wilson for several years. This weekend I finally got to shake his hand and thank him for investing in my life, even though he didn't even know me. His message Friday night was a barn-burner (PSSS I love that).

This past year I discovered a podcast called "CrossPolitic" and they are the group that started hosting this conference annually in 2020. I was able to take some time to talk with them throughout the weekend and just fellowship with them and it was truly delightful. The hosts of this podcast are Gabriel Rench, (AKA Water Boy) Deleaone Shannon (AKA Chocolate Knox), and Pastor Toby Sumpter. They are taking a solid Biblical stand against sin, wickedness, and government tyranny. They are calling men to repent, lead, and love their families -- as well as to build and conquer in their spheres of influence. They are calling for homes to be places of family worship, places of love, places of feasting, and places that glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. And this is what is so amazing. They give us examples of where and how it can actually be done! Furthermore, they set up fantastic opportunities for men to be around other men and talk about theology as well as discuss masculine topics like building businesses and conquering culture not for selfish gain, but rather for the glory of Christ. They gathered a massive crowd of people and they sang songs so loud (yes even and especially the men) that instruments were not needed. It was mind-blowing. This to me is absolutely refreshing as well as actually needed! Let's just say I've got a refreshed fire in my belly!

*Water Boy, and Otto Phelps

*Chocolate Knox

*Toby Sumpter

As many of you know I am a bi-vocational pastor and in July of 2023 I started working for a company called 'The Nine Minds', and for the entirety of my season of working here I have not physically met any of the people I work with on a daily basis via Teams and the phone. Our company was a sponsor for this event and we flew in from Texas, Alaska, and Oklahoma to be here. From the moment we met each other in the airport, the camaraderie ensued. The fellowship with all of my Nine Minds folks has been an absolute joy. To fellowship with Christian brothers -- to worship, sing, laugh, and grow our businesses, has been something to behold. I am grateful to God for His sovereign goodness in seeing fit to put these men and women around me.

*Sean and Otto

My last thought is this. If you can make it to Fight, Laugh, Feast in 2024. DO IT!!! Go register here https://flfnetwork.com/

We, as Christ-followers, need to FIGHT-LAUGH-FEAST in our Father's house for HIS absolute glory.

*My new Hoodie.