Weekly Links (11/21/2014)

Conversion is the radical turn from an enslaved life of pursuing sin to a free life of pursuing and worshiping God. Conversion is a change of life, not merely a decision. This change is not a matter of moral rectitude, self help, or mere behavior modification. It is not accomplished by outward displays or religious practices like “walking the aisle.” It cannot be accomplished by human effort but only by the power of God. (Thabiti Anyabwile, “What Is a Healthy Church Member?”)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Many topics to highlight, so let’s get to it!

  • If you consider yourself to be complementarian with respect to gender roles, here are four dangers you need to avoid in order to represent Scripture faithfully.
  • Continuing the theme of advice for singles from last week, Pastor David Murray chimes in with 12 struggles all singles face in varying degrees and at various stages within singleness.
  • Tim Challies writes about some of the financial lessons he learned over the years since he and his wife got married. Look and learn from the financial mistakes made as well as mistakes they avoided.
  • How would you counsel a hurting member of the body of Christ through depression? This post gives some thoughts, along with homework, that aims at the root of this debilitating problem. I’ll be sure to link to part two when they post.
  • One of the big events that takes place every year is the meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society. This year, they are in San Diego, and have many biblical scholars present speaking on various subjects of interest for the believer. One of the speakers, Bob Kellemen, will be presenting on biblical counseling that I wanted to make you all aware of. The title is, “Theo-Drama and Gospel-Centered Counseling: God’s Redemptive Drama and Our Ultimate Life Questions.” I would invite you to read and learn from a knowledgeable and gracious biblical counselor on this subject.
  • For all of you philosophy types out there (I’m not the only one, right?), Westminster Theological Seminary professor Vern Poythress came out with a new book in his series on incorporating a biblical worldview with respect to various subjects. Titled Redeeming Philosophy: A God-Centered Approach to the Big Questions, he gets at the heart of the pursuit of what is real, how we are to live, and how we know anything at all. Best of all, you can download the book for free! This would be a great resource to inform your mind in conversing with those deeply in search for meaning in their lives.
  • Struggling with anxiety? In this week’s PeaceMeal, attention is drawn to applying thankfulness to God for removing the sin of anxiety, which is rooted in pride and selfishness. Very fitting, given the celebration of Thanksgiving next week.
  • Speaking of Thanksgiving, as Christians, we can be thankful for the grace of God in the sending of His Son to redeem us from the consequences, power, and presence of sin. RTS President Michael Kruger argues Romans 3:21-22 is the most import ant passage in Scripture, and after reading it, you might agree. Whether you do or not, having that passage in our Bibles gives us the ultimate reason to be thankful!

That’s all for this week! Make sure to welcome Pastor Jim Kang from LBC East Bay this Sunday, as he will be in the pulpit, and don’t forget our All-Church Annual Thanksgiving Potluck later that night!

Soli Deo Gloria