“The independent, self-sufficient culture in which we live causes many people to lose sight of how interrelated the body of Christ is meant to be. God intends for us to truly depend upon one another. A person in the midst of a serious struggle, however, often feels shame over his condition and reluctance to reach out to others for help. Mental difficulties may make it necessary for that person to learn to trust others to help him understand what is true, because his mind is not always reliable. Such trials can serve as opportunities to bring the body of Christ together, poignantly demonstrating how incomplete we really are without one another. It is not just the weak who need the strong. Paul reminds us that the weaker parts are indispensable, and God has designed it in this way so the body together can glorify him (1 Cor. 12:14-27).” (Craig Marshall, “Caring for Those in Distress” Modern Reformation Magazine July/August 2014 Vol: 23 No: 4)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Are you excited for this week’s links? Well, here they are!

• Pastor Jeramie Rinne reflects on the mentor who guided him into becoming a shepherd at his first pastorate, and gives some godly wisdom for believers to become mentors to those under our care in the church. Are you a mentor to someone currently? If not, are you being mentored?  Maybe it’s time to begin the process.
• The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) has written a series of articles on how to practically live out biblical masculinity. When the leading spokesmen for biblical manhood write about biblical manhood, it’d be wise to listen up. Better yet, let’s apply their counsel.
• In this culture of celebrity hookups and breakups, glorifying relationships rather than the Creator, Fabienne Harford gives an honest, inside look into her thoughts regarding singleness and how her struggles have helped her shift her view upward towards God and outward towards others. A fascinating read.
• John MacArthur comes back with an article that he’s written for The Master’s Seminary Journal, but is being posted on the Grace to You blog in parts. Entitled, “Strange Fire Redux,” MacArthur writes concerning the background of the charismatic movement, along with a critique from Scripture and church history. If you haven’t read the book or watched any of the sessions, this can be a good primer to jump into it.
• With the recent death of an American doctor who contracted Ebola, and another just diagnosed, Miguel Nuñez gives some answers to the many questions that have been of concern to us in the states about this disease.
• Pastor David Murray writes about the passive and aggressive natures found in many husbands who neglect or have abandoned the biblical ideal of leading and loving their wives. Addressing the passive husband, here are five ways to lead your wife.
• Since some of our members went to the Institute for Creation Research conference recently, I thought I’d point people to their Acts & Facts Magazine, which is their monthly magazine detailing new discoveries that confirm biblical creation as the best model for origins. Their October magazine is titled, “Doing the Lord’s Business” and has some really interesting articles. Check it out!
• Going back to the theme of marriage, biblical counselor Ed Welch has some seasoned words of wisdom concerning some spouses’ sense of hopelessness in marriage. Read and prepare (or apply).
• A simple but insightful look from this week’s PeaceMeal deals with the priority of peace in your many relationships. Which comes first? Read on and find out.
• Is there pain in your marriage? Do you know why it’s there? This may be a good article to be reminded of that reality.
• We live in a world of believers and unbelievers, but sometimes, when spending periods of time with believers, we may be taken aback that when we encounter an unbeliever who sins. Surprisingly, Puritan John Owen has some great advice for those who expect unbelievers at times to act like believers.
• In his extended series on apologetics and worldview analysis, Joe Carter addresses the common subject of time and infinity (more common when discussing math than any other time) as pointers to a Creator. Collegians, take note(s)!

That’s all for this week! Looking forward to another weekend in worshiping our all-knowing, all-wise God!

Soli Deo Gloria