“Paul’s starting point is the analysis of idolatry in Romans 1:18–32. Jews thought of idolatry as a matter of worshiping the wrong gods, and therefore something that only Gentiles could do. Paul thought more deeply on the matter. He saw that idolatry was a disease of human freedom, found as widely among Jews as among Gentiles.

Idolatry begins where faith begins, in the perception of human existence as contingent and needy. But whereas faith accepts such contingency as also a gift from a loving creator from whom both existence and worth derive, idolatry refuses a dependent relationship on God. It seeks to establish one’s own existence and worth apart from the claim of God by effort and striving (“works”) of one’s own.” (Luke Timothy Johnson, Reading Romans)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! There’s so much to be thankful for, so let us continue to thank our God for all He has provided! May these links bring even more thanks to Him!

• How do you become an effective witness at work? Is it even possible to witness and be a good worker at the same time? Tom Nelson, who has written a book on the doctrine of vocation, provides some wisdom in this area that everyone who works should heed.
• With insightful precision, biblical counselor David Powlison points believers, men in particular, to consider the true identity they have in Christ. Consider it an arresting introduction to true, biblical masculinity.
• Have you wondered, in light of Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson’s beliefs, what Seventh-Day Adventism is all about? Well, worry no longer.
• If you were looking to confide your struggles, hopes, fears, and doubts to someone, what kinds of ministry skills would you like them to possess in order to provide biblical counsel? Pastor Matt Mitchell asked his Sunday School class what should every Christian possess, and here’s their response.
• Much has been written and spoken concerning the attacks that occurred in Paris last week, including the news of an increasing influx of Syrian refugees into the US in the near future. To help wrap our minds around this, John Piper has written principles to relate to Muslims and those of other religions, Pastor Eric Davis addresses whether ISIS can be considered true Islam, Joe Carter lays out the facts about the Syrian refugees, and Molly Hemingway offers three tips for a more civil conversation about this issue.
• There are many doctrines of the faith, but many are unsure of which is primary and which is secondary. Exercising some ‘theological triage,’ Pastor Mike Riccardi examines Paul’s condemnation of the Judaizers (along with other passages) and sees what to make of teaching that is essential to believe and be saved and what can rule someone outside of Christian faith.
• In a recent Truth in Love podcast, ACBC Executive Director Heath Lambert interviews ACBC Member Hannah Carter, a counselor at her church, former missionary, and a single, about the blessings and struggles of singleness. I think this will truly be a blessing for you to listen to, whether you’re single or married.

That’s all for this week! Don’t forget the upcoming Thanksgiving potluck this Sunday evening! See you all on Sunday morning!

Soli Deo Gloria