“Pastors are there for their people. They are in the midst of all of their parishioners’ emotional strains and successes. This is the best thing pastors can do. Nothing I say from here on will diminish that role. Pastors as apologists have the best apologetic in their very presence, and that is a unique privilege (Ravi Zacharias, Is Your Church Ready? Motivating Leaders to Live an Apologetic Life)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s been awhile, and although we may have missed some really exciting stuff, here are this week’s links!

• What does the morality of a Christian who supports the legalization of same-sex marriage (SSM) look like? According to sociologist Mark Regnerus, it isn’t that far off the national population average. In a survey conducted earlier this year, Regnerus had a number of moral statements listed, asking different groups (Christians who opposed SSM, Christians who were for, ”gay” Christians, and non-Christians) whether they agree or disagree with each statement. The results are revealing, even though Regnerus points out that he doesn’t believe supporting SSM causes you to accept the other statements in the survey. Worth looking into.
• James White recently debated Bob Enyart on open theism. Open theism is the belief that God does not know the future, primarily because the future does not exist, and is actually learning along with us, in order to allow the free will of human beings. There’s a lot more to it than that, and even Enyart has a certain twist to it, but if you have ever encountered such a view, this would be good to watch. Dr. White is one of the few who engages in debates as a faithful representative of evangelical Christianity, and does so to purposely glorify God and edify the saints. Don’t miss out.
• Speaking of Dr. White, with the recent surge of ISIS attacks that have been plastered all over the news, he has a helpful message that will help us communicate the love we are to have with Muslims in understanding what they believe and being clear with them about what we believe. Also, Joe Carter provides some fact-checking for ISIS and the claim that they are beheading children.
• Ann Coulter said some controversial statements (an understatement), but this one is said at the expense of those who travel far to serve the least of these. Matt Perman and Al Mohler respond. A perfect example of Proverbs 18:17 in action.
• J.D. Greear has a list of 26 ways to live provocatively (not dress provocatively) at work that looks very practical and doable.
• Ben Holloway has written about a tactic Christians can use in answering objections that many don’t know about: spotting the assumption(s) behind an objection. In the same vein, Choosing Hats reminds us that the presuppositional apologetics involves two steps in defending Christianity, not one.
• Don Whitney has written a great work on the spiritual disciplines for Christian living called Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. Tim Challies recently posted a portion of the book in relation to why we must memorize Scripture, starting today. Here’s Challies review of the book, and an interview Don Whitney did on the new edition, which includes what he added.
• With the recent passing of famous actor Robin Williams, the church has been very compassionate and helpful in pointing to resources that help us deal with loss. Desiring God has done just that with their links and recommendations on how to deal with the loss of a loved one. Nancy Guthrie has written an article in Ligonier Ministry’s Tabletalk about ministering to grieving parents.
• Andreas and Margaret Kostenberger have five things to avoid when teaching/discussing the topic of gender from Scripture. Gain insight and heed their warnings.
• I may be linking to this against my better judgment, but CBMW has a post commending Jane Austen’s writings to men. Let’s just say, this got me thinking (don’t expect me to devour Pride and Prejudice just yet; I’m more open to talking about it now).
• Remembering Pastor Nigel’s message on expository listening, here’s a post that complements that message well: “Your Role in Expository Preaching”.
• A common objection to same-sex “marriage” is expressed: “How will gay marriage impact your marriage?” Denny Burk has a good response that lays out the real issue this brings to biblical and traditional marriage. Another one has to do with the claim that the Bible does not condemn homosexual orientation, since that is not identified as sin in Scripture. Jared Moore interacts with this very oft-cited claim.
• Here’s a question I think all of us would be the wiser for contemplating: “Do you like being alone with your thoughts?”
• Here’s another post interviewing Mack Stiles about his new book on evangelism.

That’s all for now! Please remember to pray for the youth retreat this weekend, as well as the member’s meeting Sunday night, and also members who have been saying goodbye for various reasons. Let us continue to love one another (including before, during and after Sunday service) in the hope that many will see that we are disciples of Christ.

Soli Deo Gloria