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02/23/06
Comments (61)

A Saturday Afternoon in L.A.

As you may know, I am heading to sunny California next week in order to liveblog The Shepherd’s Conference. I am anticipating that it will be a time of great growth for me, as I learn from the teaching of such men as R.C. Sproul, Al Mohler, Ligon Duncan, Steven Lawson and Mark Dever. And of course John MacArthur will be giving a couple of addresses. I consider it a great privilege to be able to blog this conference!

While the conference officially ends after Sunday’s worship service, he and I will both be leaving Saturday. It is my son’s birthday on Sunday and I want to be there to celebrate with him. Saturday’s itinerary is light. There are two general sessions in the morning and the afternoon is given as “Local Attractions and Activities.” This translates to “free time.” I will be accompanied for the week by a friend who has not yet mentioned on his blog that he will be travelling with me. Lest I make an announcement for which he is not prepared I will not give his name. There was a bit of a misunderstanding and he will be leaving the conference early Saturday morning. I do not leave Los Angeles until Saturday night (at 11:57 PM) as I’m catching the redeye home. Thus I have an afternoon and evening that is wide open since I really do not need to be at L.A.X. until 9:00 PM or so.

Never having been to California before, I thought I would ask you, the reader, what you suggest I should do on a Saturday afternoon in L.A. To this point I have received two suggestions. The first was that I tour the library and The Master’s Seminary. That’s a great idea, but I will have the opportunity to do that earlier in the week. Paul suggests that I should go to Tommy’s, a famous restaurant in the area. They are known for serving up a great chili burger. While that sounds tempting, I am not sure that it would be the best idea mere hours before I begin a 12-hour transcontinental trek back to Toronto. ‘Nuff said. But so you can see what I have decided I should probably not eat, here is Tommy’s famous burger:

Tommys

If you managed to keep your lunch in your stomach and are still reading this, here is the nutritional information:

tommysburger.jpg

There has to be something better to do in L.A. And please don’t suggest anything that has to do with Hollywood, celebrities, amusement parks, beaches or spending vast amounts of money. I’d rather sit under a tree and read all day then stroll along the walk of depravity fame, go to the beach or go on rides! Actually, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. But why go to California to read when I could do that just as well in Toronto?

I have been waiting for John MacArthur to invite me back to his place for some steaks and Cokes, but it doesn’t seem that an invitation is forthcoming. Maybe I should just invite myself over…

So you tell me: what should I do on Saturday afternoon?

A Saturday Afternoon in L.A.

Comments (61) »


1. clyde
February 23, 2006
12:38 PM

being an “LA” guy, i would say you should enjoy a burger from Tommie’s. This is a definite attraction. Downtown Pasadena is nice if you’re looking for something urban, or if you enjoy the arts… The beach is also always a good place, next week should be nice and sunny. I am going to try to meet you at the Conference. How does one identify Tim Challies?


2. clyde
February 23, 2006
12:41 PM

actually, skip Pasadena. You should go to Santa Monica. You can stroll around 3rd Street and then head over two blocks to watch the sunset. Stay away from Santa Clarita if possible :)


3. Bobby Blakey
February 23, 2006
12:57 PM

Hey Tim,

If you want a great California burger without getting sick, then go to In’N’Out and hit up a Double Double. You will probably have In’N’Out for lunch one day at the conference and by the time Saturday rolls around you may want another one before you leave and can’t have it anymore.


4. Bibliomaniac
February 23, 2006
1:07 PM

Having lived in “the Valley” and been all over it, here are some suggestions, and hope you have a car to get you around:

  1. See Valley Book & Bible bookstore on Van Nuys Blvd. The bookstore at Grace Church is actually better, but if you like bookstores, Valley Book & Bible is sort of an institution. It’s big, old, and kind of interesting.

  2. Better yet, the Archives used Christian bookstore in Pasadena. Fairly reasonable prices and a large selection.

  3. Go visit The Master’s College. It’s in a beautiful rural setting, which is amazing considering how built up the surrounding area is. It might be kinda quiet there on Saturday, but it’s a great place to walk around.

  4. For food, In & Out Burger is extremely popular—just a short drive down Roscoe Blvd. from Grace Community Church. Great, fresh burgers and fries true California style.

  5. If you want to just drive around and see a panoramic view of LA, go east on Roscoe from Grace Church and take the I-5 South and follow the signs to Griffith Park, and go up the road up to the top of the hills to the Griffith Park Observatory. Quite a view from up there. Going back down, you can continue south on the I-5, go west on the 10 Fwy, then south again on the 405 to get to LAX.

  6. Though you’ll have already toured the Master’s Seminary library during the week, it’s a nice place to whittle away an afternoon relaxing and reading a books that are otherwise tough to get a hold of.

  7. if you go to Pasadena, the Huntington library is a must.


5. Jerry Wragg
February 23, 2006
1:17 PM

Tim - Just east of Grace Church, in Simi Valley, is the Reagan Library…a tremedous bit of amazing history. Or, check on getting a ticket for the Getty Musuem (toward the airport along I-405)…another day well spent! Someone else suggested the Huntington Library in Pasadena/San Marino…I agree. I’ll be at the conference if you need help finding these. Leave a message with the concierge desk.

Jerry


6. Shaun
February 23, 2006
1:19 PM

I agree with the maniac who posted before me. In and Out on the lawn at the Huntington library reading a book you picked up at the Archives. Perfect!!

You’ll also want to consider some of the excellent Mexican faire in dining. Being a San Diegan, I’m not sure what’s up that way. Probably a Rubios, at least, but you need a good locally recommended “whole in the wall” place.

Thoughts, anyone?


7. Frank Martens
February 23, 2006
1:34 PM

Dude,

You have to try both In & Out and Tommy’s. Tommy’s is worth every bit, I get one everytime. We have In & Out’s here in AZ so I get plenty of that, but not Tommy’s. Forget about whatever worries you have about stomach problems after having a Chilli Burger and just do it. First time I had one, no problems.

So… two food places you need to visit: 1) In & Out (especially since it’s operated by Christians) and 2) Tommy’s.

Also, since you’re already getting the highlight while in LA (which is visiting Grace and listening to pastors there). You should at least go check out the beach and ocean. Not because of the people that are there but because it is a nice site to see. Most specifically anything from New Port Beach and North.

The others above have suggested good things as well, especially Bibliomaniac.

Cheers


8. Andrew
February 23, 2006
1:35 PM

LOL! Invite yourself over to MacArthur’s! But what would your wife think!?


9. Frank Martens
February 23, 2006
1:40 PM

Oh and here’s a question for ya, how did the fund raising for the trip go?


10. Tim Challies
February 23, 2006
1:57 PM

“Oh and here’s a question for ya, how did the fund raising for the trip go?”

Quickly.

“LOL! Invite yourself over to MacArthur’s! But what would your wife think!?”

I could have her make up a salad before I leave. You can bet that it would be nice and fresh by Saturday.

“You have to try both In & Out and Tommy’s”

Fine, I’ll do it. But I’m coming after you if I have to get my stomach pumped.


11. chall
February 23, 2006
1:58 PM

Tim,

I agree with the suggestion to go to In-N-Out Burger. It’s a California must. Make sure you order a Double-Double “animal style” (from the “secret” menu). It’s worth it.

I would have to respectfully disagree with Bibliomaniac’s suggestion to see The Master’s College. It’s quite a drive from LA in the traffic, and it’s not that impressive of a campus, especially with all of the construction going on in the area. Sticking around LA would be a much better use of your time.

Blessings from a Canadian brother in California!


12. Tim Challies
February 23, 2006
2:07 PM

“How does one identify Tim Challies?”

That’s a good question. I’ll be the guy typing throughout all of the speeches. Tune in to the blog at some point during the week and I’ll mention where I’m sitting for the week.


13. JoeBruin88
February 23, 2006
2:20 PM

Other than the Reagan Library, I would also recommend touring the campus of UCLA!


14. Scott Hill
February 23, 2006
2:21 PM

Everytime someone from back east comes to visit me, they always want to go to Hollywood. I always take them, and their reaction is always “this is it”

You will not be far from Hollywood Blvd when you are at Grace. I will warn you though it is not going to look anything like you would expect. At least that was my perception when I moved out here.


15. Scott Hill
February 23, 2006
2:26 PM

Tim, I know these Californias hype In N Out and Tommy’s, but I have never been that impressed. In N Out is cool to go to, but not for the food. You can just say you have been. Plus that have a souvenir T-shirt for 10 bucks or so. The food is quality, but it’s not great food.

I also don’t recommend visiting Master’s College. The campus is not much to look at.

Jason and I will be there so look us up.


16. Scott Hill
February 23, 2006
2:28 PM

Tim if you like the ocean the Santa Monica area is nice. It is also kind of on the way to the airport.


17. Diane
February 23, 2006
2:57 PM

Nice way to finagle an invitation to John McArthur’s! I have to admit..that was smooth…. :)


18. Keith
February 23, 2006
2:58 PM

if you’re a baseball fan, usc is playing georgia saturday afternoon . we saw usc and stanford in 2004 (there for my first sc). game went 13 innings. a great afternoon.


19. John Hendryx
February 23, 2006
3:13 PM

Tim

You may not be aware but I grew up in L.A. This is where I spent a multitude of years being a juvinile dilinquint. The places to see if you want to see some really unique stuff is Venice Beach. This is no ordinary beach but has characters you will ONLY find in SO Cal. Or take a walking tour of Westwood village, the town just off of UCLA campus. That is a really interesting area. … lots of shops, and a heavy concentation of movie theaters (more than anywhere) and coffee shops. Great food and fun.

John MacArthur’s church is great and in the Valley but stay out of the Valley at all costs otherwise. There is NOTHING to see there except strip malls. GO over the the West side for action. The Getty Museum is nice if that is what you are interested in. If you go there you may want to drive Sunset BLvd from Sunset Strip in Hollywood to the beach, you will see perhaps the most extravant strip of road anywhere. Quite a site.

Hope you have a meaningful trip


20. RosaMarie
February 23, 2006
3:14 PM

Having lived in SoCal for almost 10 years, I feel compelled to speak up and agree with the person who said In and Out might be a place to visit for something other than the food. It’s okay but not worth passing up other things in order to visit. Hollywood is depressing, especially at night, as is Venice Beach. Wherever you go, be prepared to deal with heavy traffic. We lived off Sepulveda Blvd, the longest street in LA and the traffic was terrible. I doubt its any better now, so make sure you take the traffic into consideration when you make your plans. Mulholland Drive is rather famous too and you might make note of it if you happen to drive near there. There are tons of things to look at for the oddity factor. They don’t call it LaLa land for nothing. The smog this time of the year isn’t bad, but it can still be a shock if you’re seeing/smelling it for the first time. Cars and plants are filthy out therefor that reason no matter how much care they are given. My husband is a runner and the air out there was TERRIBLE for him.

Last but not least, L.A. is like N.Y.C in that the difference between the haves and the havenots is painfully obvious once you drive around and have a good look.


21. Donna
February 23, 2006
4:44 PM

Hi Tim,

Unfortunately since I’m a girl, I won’t be able to attend the regular sessions except for the night sessions. I’ve always enjoyed the past speakers - John Piper, RC Sproul, Al Mohler and even Steve Saint (who came 2 years ago with one of the Indians who killed his dad). They showed a clip of the documentary “Beyond the Gates of Splendor.” I don’t recall him mentioning a movie version. How disappointing now about the whole Chad Allen thing. Anyways, maybe I’ll see you there.

If you enjoy Thai food, you have to stop by Ross & Bo. They changed the name of it a while back, but I’m not sure what it’s called now. It’s a really small place, but really good food and cheap. I would suggest #9 Pork Garlic.

If you’re fond of museums, try the Museum of Tolerance. It’s fascinating.


22. wfseube
February 23, 2006
4:49 PM

How about the Crystal Cathedral?

:-) :-) :-)

http://www.crystalcathedral.org/map/map2.html


23. Paul Martin
February 23, 2006
4:58 PM

I would like to add that all of these suggestions: - In ‘N’ Out - Santa Monica - Getty Museum - The Master’s College - Any beach were ALSO made by me… however Mr. Challies chose to not reveal that information in his post!

Frankly, I think the Tommy’s burger is a rite of passage kind of thing. No one ever said they were good - it is just if you can keep the thing down. And now that my pal has publicly stated he WILL eat one (“Fine, I’ll do it. But I’m coming after you if I have to get my stomach pumped.”) I am quite excited to see what kind of a real man he is!

Someone down there just please grab Tim by the hand and show him around a little. As for how to find him, I suggest looking for a large, introverted, frowning man with a beaver lapel pin (and perhaps a little maple syrup crystallizing on his beard)…


24. Tim Challies
February 23, 2006
5:06 PM

“I suggest looking for a large, introverted, frowning man with a beaver lapel pin (and perhaps a little maple syrup crystallizing on his beard)…”

That’s the dead giveaway, isn’t it? I’ll also be slurping a big bowl of pea soup at the back of the auditorium while humming French folk songs to myself.

I’ll get my buddy ready with the camera when I dig into that Tommy’s burger. I’ll also get him ready with a roll of tums (or a package of Imodium, depending how the burger sits).


25. Paul Martin
February 23, 2006
5:11 PM

I speak for all your readers when I say we anticipate viewing a full face shot of one extra-chili, cheese-laden carboconflaguration entering your mouth.


26. Paul Martin
February 23, 2006
5:13 PM

In fact, I would like my friend Jerry Wragg to be there as an impartial witness.


27. Bibliomaniac
February 23, 2006
5:13 PM

Pea soup? Hey, if that’s what you like, it’s too bad there isn’t a Pea Soup Anderson’s anywhere in striking distance. They make a great pea soup.

Regarding my recommendation on The Master’s College, yes, those who say it’s not much to behold are correct. It’s a bit of a hodgepodge of buildings of different styles. The walk from the gym to the soccer fields and the large oak trees nearby is nice. Back when I was at Grace, pastors often asked to be taken there just to see the college they kept hearing about. Some of the student chapels I had the opportunity to sit in on were truly outstanding, and it’s too bad you won’t be able to go to one.

As a booklover who during my years in LA barely had any money to spend on books, I could easily have spent two or three hours Saturday afternoon in the Grace Bookshack trying to decide which ONE book I should choose to buy.


28. JohnH
February 23, 2006
5:46 PM

Since my in-laws live there and we have the time, we’ve been spending about a month a year in that area.

I’ve never been to Tommy’s (it seems it’s an acquired taste), but I highly recommend In-N-Out. The food is good quality. There’s one not too far from Grace Community Church:

location

And just so you don’t look like you are from out of town (although the long Canadian winter pasty white skin might be a give away), here is the hidden In-N-Out menu:

http://www.tiburon-belvedere.com/cgi/home.cgi?c=InNOut

I would second the Getty Museum. It’s amazing what $1 billion will buy you in terms of a building(s).

Two other suggestions. I love the Reagan Library in Simi Valley (about 25 minutes from the church). They have the 707 Reagan used as Air Force One, but if you loved Ronald Reagan, you will love the place. It’s an awesome site in terms of the views.

One off the beaten path suggestion (I’ve done it three times) that a lot of people have never heard of is The Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar. It’s right off the 5 near its intersection with the 210.

Website

You may need to book the tour in advance (818.367.2251). It’s free. About 20 minutes from the church. If you like old cars (functional fine art is what they call them there) and want to hear one of the largest pipe organs in the world, this is the place to do it. It’s kind of odd, but charming all at the same time. Also, there is a dress code (no shorts or t-shirts). Tour takes about two hours. There is a free museum of cars across the street that doesn’t require a tour.

I hear that MacArthur is a golfer. Offer to take him golfing. One of my favorites is Rustic Canyon in Moorpark, not too far from the Reagan Library. It’s a great little course.

Although it’s a bit of a drive, you could go to Laguna Beach (Las Brisas is a pretty decent restaraunt and a great view). You could swing by Saddleback on the way back and catch the Saturday afternoon service. :) You’ll love Sunday morning at Grace Community if you do that. :) :-D

Also, The Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Ray has a nice view of the harbor.

Santa Barbara…

Man, you need to take more time.


29. Dallas Pymm
February 23, 2006
6:02 PM

I know nothing of LA, but if the IN N OUTS over there are anything like they are in Vegas I would pass. The food is ok, but you have to pack a snack for the long wait in line, or in the drive through. You would think they were selling the cure for any disease possible with the long lines they have.

I think it would be a great social experiment if you would introduce yourself to MacArthur and invite yourself over. If he says yes, you may have changed my opinion on this subject. :o)


30. Tim Challies
February 23, 2006
6:52 PM

“I think it would be a great social experiment if you would introduce yourself to MacArthur and invite yourself over.”

Is that a dare? A triple dog dare?


31. Diane
February 23, 2006
7:06 PM

I’m with Dallas… if you introduce yourself to John MacArthur, invite yourself over and he says yes.. then I too will change my opinion and say it’s OKAY to invite yourself over to people’s homes.. so yes.. that is a triple dog dare!


32. Screaming Pirate
February 23, 2006
7:38 PM

I would like to say that you are in for a treat with Dr. Lawson. He is truly a purtian born out of due time. He is my pastor and a wonderful man of God. He has paid for his faith and his doctrinal postion. He has influenced me Greatly. So enjoy my pastor for a week. I promiss you will enjoy his commitment to the word.


33. Ruth
February 23, 2006
8:54 PM

If you want something different, go down to San Pedro to the port of Los Angeles. Port’s o/Call is busy on Saturdays but if you take Gaffey down toward the ocean you’ll come to the Korean Friendship Bell…you can park for free, get out and breathe the fresh salt air and watch the ships come in. Just behind it is Old Fort MacArthur which is now a museum but it is the place that defended the harbor in WW II.

Of course, if you don’t mind some people, go down to the harbor, get some seafood and watch the ships up close. The stress reduction factor is marvelous.


34. Joe Fleener
February 23, 2006
9:01 PM

It would be great to meet you.

I am heading that direction this Saturday morning. The Master’s Academy International has an all-day meeting on Monday leading up to the Shepherd’s Conference in which I have the honor to participate.

That is not very important, what caught my attention is that I too will be heading home early so I don’t miss my son’s all important 3rd birthday!


35. Patrick Chan
February 23, 2006
9:33 PM

Why not go to the finest Reformed Baptist church this side of, um, the LA river?

http://www.reformedbaptist.net

Anyway, has anyone mentioned this already? In case not, I wanted to say, if you do end up going to In-N-Out, to look for the Bible verses on their food. It’s kinda neat that they still print ‘em.

Speaking of which, personally, I wouldn’t get too worked up about In-N-Out. I mean, I guess it’s pretty good for fast food but you have to remember that’s all it is — fast food.

Can I officially second the Mad Motion to Meet MacArthur? All right, so that’s four M’s, but now here are three dogs: I triple dog dare you to invite yourself over to MacArthur’s! ;-)


36. Jim
February 23, 2006
10:03 PM

Tim,

Perhaps you could ask John MacArthur for an interview. As an official blogger for the conference you could tell him you are doing a Canadian perspective and would like an informal and relaxed look into the man behind the ministry.

Just make sure to prepare your questions well, maybe Phil could help break the ice for you.


37. Art Carranza
February 23, 2006
10:21 PM

Tim,

Enjoy your website. In-n-out Burger and Tommy’s are good places to eat, but I’m surprised no one has mentioned The Hat, located in about 10 places in the S. CA area, including Pasadena, Brea, and Alhambra. Their claim to fame is a french dip pastrami and it’s justly famous! Their fries come in a paper bag and if you want chili with them, just order them that way.

Every time I go to LA, I go at least once to the Hat. It is filling to eat there, but self-control is a virtue, right? Though I have to admit I have very little control at the Hat. They have a website if you want to know more. What a great weekend you have up ahead!


38. Brian Thornton
February 23, 2006
10:30 PM

I am amazed that a post about where to eat in LA has generated this many responses. Where are all you fine commenters when the topic is something of real weight? Pun intended.

Tim, this is a triple dog dare to invite yourself over to MacArthur’s place…if you will do it there, I will do it when I see him at the Ligonier Conference in a couple of weeks!


39. JohnH
February 23, 2006
11:07 PM

Your inner geek might also be drawing you to Fry’s. The best one in S. Cal. is in Woodland Hills.


40. Renee
February 23, 2006
11:16 PM

Tim, I am looking forward to your live blogging of the Shephard’s Conferencet. I went out to the Master’s College for the Truth for Life Conference on Biblcal Manhood and Womanhood last month. It was awesome to say the least. It was a blessing to hear John MacArthur, Wayne Grudem and Ken Hughes expand on the word of God.

You and all the shephards in attendance will be in my prayers as this is a great way for the experienced shephards to train up the younger men (sort of like a Paul and Timothy).


41. Steve Camp
February 24, 2006
12:11 AM

Dear Tim:

  1. Introduce yourself to John. He is a regular guy and will be very warm and gracious to you.

  2. it takes you 12 hours from L.A. to Toronto? What airline are your flying brother? Braniff? Nonstop I have flown that in 51/2 hours before…

  3. Jerry Wragg’s idea was very good, the Getty museum is excellent as well as the Huntington Library in Pasadena/San Marino.

  4. But brother you’re in L.A. man… don’t stay inside; get to the beach; drive up the 101 towards Santa Barbara; go see some of the wine country (reformed people can enjoy that you know); or grab some great mexican food down where the Lakers play at a little road side stand; see a game, etc. Make sure you go to Rosco’s; Tommy Tangs; The City for some great food.

  5. Lastly, if you’re going to see a church—go to the Crystal Cathedral—take a few pics and share the gospel with Schuller.

Have fun brother… Blog the truth—don’t play politics. Campi


42. Dennis Swanson
February 24, 2006
12:23 AM

Well, I’ve lived here (50 yrs on May 6th) all my life and was an LA Policeman for a good chunk of that. I can point you in the right direction to just about anywhere.

We could make you feel at home and see a Kings game at Staples Center (one of the really nice hockey venues in North America). They are home Thur night and Sat afternoon. At least you could see a team that will be in the Stanley Cup Playoffs :-) BTW I do emphasize with my Canadian neighbors, see my blog for comments on the Olympic Hockey team www.narnia3.com/index.html

Email me if you need anything.


43. Kristie
February 24, 2006
1:13 AM

My husband will be there! I think you should get some Thai food.

If you change your mind about Tommy’s, you need to do go at midnight. That’s the only way to do it…after the chili has been cooking all day long….mmm—mmm!

The Getty garden is better than the Huntington because if it is clear you can see the ocean. If you go to the beach, I’d pick Malibu…..you can head out on Sunset Blvd and then north on the 1.

I agree with the others that you should skip Hollywood.


44. Brenda
February 24, 2006
3:55 AM

You’ve already been bombarded with advice about In-n-Out…

Cheesecake Factory, definitely. But it’s always busy. Go at an off hour. My husband recommends the Spicy Cashew Chicken. And of course, if you like cheesecake, you’ll be in hog heaven. There’s one in Marina del Rey if you go near the beach, and one in Pasadena if you go to the Huntington. If you go to the Woodland Hills Fry’s Electronics, you can find one nearby, too.

It’s a little further south, but you might want to look at Long Beach — the Aquarium of the Pacific is great, the Queen Mary is down there… and lots of places to eat.

If you don’t feel like sightseeing, I highly recommend you sit down with my pastor, Don McDougall. (He’s a prof at TMS, currently on sabbatical to write.) He’s just amazing. He’d be a great man for you to interview for the blog, even if you go sightseeing.


45. John MacArthur
February 24, 2006
6:07 AM

Oh ok come over. I know when to take a hint!


46. Diane
February 24, 2006
7:31 AM

Hilarious! Just hilarious! Tim…. You got it! you got the invitation! That was just way too easy! What a blessing!


47. Davey
February 24, 2006
8:33 AM

“Lastly, if you’re going to see a church—go to the Crystal Cathedral—take a few pics and share the gospel with Schuller.”

I should thank Mr. Camp for making me almost dribble coffee on my shirt this fine morning….funny stuff always has that element of truth!


48. Candyinsierras
February 24, 2006
9:56 AM

It may be a moot point now that John MacArthur invited you over, but a few people mentioned Huntington Library, and I suggest Huntington Gardens for a lovely place to walk.


49. Mike Sense
February 24, 2006
10:45 AM

Tim- Thanks for doing the website. In as much as I look at it, it is encouraging for me. One of my best friends lives in LA…he’s a great guy and everyone enjoys being around him. Like myself, he is 25, but he happens to be married also. His wife is incredible! She’s smart, beautiful and faithful. The both of them are continually searching for community, but more important searching for intimacy with God.

Currently Brandy, Brock’s wife, is going through some really tough physical ailments. They have been to the Mayo clinic and back over it, yet it remains as a very tough situation for them. Brock and I have been talking a lot about God and who He is…suffering, judgement, sickness, glory…the whole gamut.

I propose that you spend your afternoon having a burger with my friend and talking things over. I know this might not be your idea of relaxing, but he’s a great guy and it would be a pleasure for anyone to spend time with him. I think for him to have a fresh face with a biblical look on suffering, would be great for him. Please don’t post this comment if you have a chance…email me back at mike.sense@uscm.org if it’s something you would entertain. (sorry if other people have requested this, I haven’t read the other comments)

Thanks so much for all you do.

cheers, Mike Sense


50. pymmdcp
February 24, 2006
11:16 AM

Notice how MacArthur invited Tim to his place and did not invite himself over to Tim’s. Sure Tim lives in Cananda, but I think it is worth pointing out. :o)

C’mon, that was sort of funny.


51. Dallas Pymm
February 24, 2006
11:20 AM

Sorry, that last post was from Dallas. Not trying to do multiple personality posts or anything.


52. Lisa Nunley
February 24, 2006
11:20 AM

“stroll along the walk of depravity fame” that is hilarious.


53. Dennis Swanson
February 24, 2006
12:00 PM

Well, I know John MacArthur pretty well and I know that (1) he doesn’t use a computer; and (2) he doesn’t do email; and (3) I doubt that he even knows what a blog is.

Sorry to call you invite into question ;-)


54. Diane R
February 24, 2006
12:04 PM

The weather people say it’s going to rain next week so ring your rain gear. And Pasadena is getting way cool. Forget Santa Monica…LOL


55. Tim Challies
February 24, 2006
12:17 PM

“Sorry to call you invite into question ;-)”

I knew that and assumed others did too. The email address used to post the comment was justjoking@johnnymac.com or something like that. :-)


56. Dallas Pymm
February 24, 2006
1:48 PM

“I knew that and assumed others did too. The email address used to post the comment was justjoking@johnnymac.com or something like that. :-)”

Well then. Tripple dog dare still on!


57. wfseube
February 24, 2006
6:07 PM

Campi wrote: 5. Lastly, if you’re going to see a church—go to the Crystal Cathedral—take a few pics and share the gospel with Schuller.

See, I told you so. So you have many votes for In-and-Out Burger , several for John MacArthur, and two for the Crystal Cathedral. Grab a bag of burgers, go by and pick up MacArthur, and go visit the Schullers. I’m sure John and Robert would have a fun conversation, while you live-blog it…

bill


58. Dan S.
February 24, 2006
8:06 PM

Now Tim, how could you refuse that offer from Dennis Swanson? A Kings game at Staples on Saturday afternoon? If you don’t take him up on it, I will.

I’d love to meet up with you at the conference. We should plan an all-Canadian lunch get-together. Maybe I’ll leave a note on the message board - usually over by the concierge.

If I were you, I’d play the Canadian card to gain an invite to Dr. MacArthur’s. I’ve heard him say before that he was conceived in Canada. I’ll leave it at that.


59. Mike Perrigoue
February 25, 2006
12:25 AM

Tim…dude…come hang out with my wife and I and our kids!

We’ll be staying in Burbank with my sister and brother-in-law (he’s attending TMC in hopes of attending TMS, someday). Saturday will be our “fun day”. I’m not sure what we have planned…but you’ve got nothing planned, so why not kick it with us?

Who wouldn’t want to hang out with perfect strangers and their kids (my sister and her husband have three of their own)? That’s four young adults (30 and under) five children (10 and under) and two minivans. We promise to take you to In & Out..the dinner and t-shirt is on me! Maybe we’ll go for a short hike into the hills behind their condo complex. I heard it’s a nice view…if the smog is not out…

I hope to meet you, man.


60. Dan Hames
February 25, 2006
2:28 PM

I’d just like to confess to posting the comment in question while posing as John MacArthur. I’m glad you spotted the e-mail address, and thus the hoax.

I’m also glad to hear that Mr MacArthur doesn’t use a computer, so he won’t be stumbling on what I wrote, getting very angry and publishing a book about me and my internet identity theft called “Comment Chaos”.


61. David Mohler
February 26, 2006
10:13 PM

Without a doubt, the Huntington Library is the best place to spend Saturday afternoon…see the big Gutenburg Bible and other artifacts, plus browse the beautiful gardens (if it’s not raining in “sunny” SoCal…)


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