First, you will never hear any better exposition of God’s word in America than you will from those preaching at this conference.  Every speaker is known for being an expositor of God’s word and each one’s position on the Pre-Millennial rapture of the church is a result of proper exegesis of the Scripture.  Second, this is the Kentucky Derby of all conferences.  In the Kentucky Derby you cannot register just any old hag to run.  The horse has to be a thoroughbred race horse.  Boy, did Dr. Vines line up the thoroughbreds for this conference!  It begins with Dr. Jerry Vines.  I liken him to the last Triple Crown Winner Affirmed, who during all three Triple Crown races was challenged by Alydar.  Affirmed prevailed in every race in which Alydar challenged him.  Dr. Vines has certainly prevailed in all of the mini races he has run, but the race he runs for Christ is certainly one in which he excels.  Dr. Vines is certainly the Statesman of the SBC.  His service to Southern Baptist churches and our convention, including his stands on the Scripture, have been rivaled by none.  Dr. Vines preaches with the passion of a zealot and the heart of Christ. He reminds me of that song by Newsong, Finger Tips and Noses.  The song tells of a school for special needs children.  The teacher in this school told them about Jesus and how he would return to get us one day.  The song goes on to explain that they cannot keep the windows clean because the children press their finger tips and noses against it so they can see Jesus when he returns.  I imagine that Mrs. Vines has a hard time keeping the windows of their house clean because Dr. Vines is pressing his fingers and nose close to the window looking for Jesus’ return.

Dr. Junior Hill will end the conference.  I liken Dr. Hill to the 1937 Triple Crown Winner War Admiral who injured his right foreleg coming out of the gate in the Belmont but went on to complete the triple crown win. Dr. Hill, in one of his books, tells the story of going through the painful time of a forced resignation.  Many would have looked for something else to do even within the Christian world, but not Dr. Hill.  He saw it as God’s leading him to be an encourager for pastors, and encourage us he has.  Dr. Hill went into full time evangelism in 1967 after serving in the pastorate for eleven years.  He has been preaching for over 50 years and can still shuck the corn.  Dr. Hill gives practical advice from Biblical truths in every message he presents.

This conference will be a scholar’s dream.  Dr. Vines has filled this conference with scholars par excellence; Dr. Ergun Caner, Dr. Danny Akin, Dr. Paige Patterson, Dr. David Allen and Dr. Richard Land.  Looking at the schedule, each session will cover a biblical perspective from the position of a Pre-Millennial return of Christ.  I look forward to hearing God’s choice servants as they present God’s word.  Maybe the rapture will happen while we are there. :)