“A local church is a gathering of baptized, born-again Christians who covenant together in love to meet regularly under the authority of the Scriptures and the leadership of the elders to worship God, be a visible image of the gospel, and, ultimately, to give God glory (John 3:1–8; 13:34–35; Acts 2:41; 14:23; Eph. 3:10; Col. 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:16–17; Heb. 10:24–25).” (Mack Stiles, Evangelism: How the Whole Church Speaks of Jesus)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! For many, Christmas season has led to break, but there is much to still learn and grow in our understanding of our Lord and Savior, even during the holidays. With that said, I hope this week’s links will be of service to you!

• Tim Challies has been working through a series on what he calls the forgotten commandment of honoring your parents. Though he’s a few posts in, he recently wrote an article highlighting two kinds of cultures that seem prevalent not only in our country, but also in our church. This may make you go back and start at the beginning!
• This week is the week of new journal issues! Make sure you check out the fall issue The Masters Seminary Journal on “Christ-Centered Preaching,” 9Marks journal on the state of nations regarding healthy churches, and Credo’s issue on Sola Scriptura.
• How do we deal with bitterness in our hearts? Heath Lambert discusses overcoming bitterness in this week’s Truth in Love podcast. Earlier this week, Lambert spoke with Dr. Stuart Scott on how to deal with sadness during the Christmas season.
• Last week, I mentioned Christian philosophy professor Tim McGrew’s interview on his contribution to the Four Views on Christianity and Philosophy. Now, Dr. Scott Oliphint provides a presuppositional perspective in the following broadcast, noting that Christianity trumps philosophy. As a philosophy major, I actually agree, so make sure you give some time for this interview.
• Parents, how have you instructed your kids in listening to a sermon? If you haven’t, you may find some wisdom in David Prince’s piece on training your kids to listen to sermons well.
• Andy Naselli highlights The Bible Project and their amazing work in summarizing each book of the Bible in a video or two. Click the link to find all videos of each book in one post! This could be a fun series of videos to watch with your roommates, friends, and family.
• The Associates of Biblical Research blog created a fascinating video establishing the truth of Micah’s prophecy concerning Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem with amazing views of the location uncovered by archaeologists. Praise God, for His Word is true.
• Alan Shlemon, of Stand to Reason, answers a question that calls the apostle Paul’s view of sexual ethics outdated. Greg Koukl interviewed Rosaria Butterfield on her conversion to Christ from her life of rebellion against God in her previous life as a lesbian and English professor at a secular university. Very helpful in learning how to be gracious and loving towards those who identify as LBGTQ.
• It’s never tiring to hear testimony of how God brought a sinner to saving faith. This time, listen to Jean as she shares her life story, from abortion to Christ.

That’s all for this week! Please keep the SDSU collegians in prayer as they finish up finals and head home for Christmas break, and represent Christ to their families. Also pray for the youth, as they will be having their Christmas party tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria