If we feel discomfort at some of the Bible’s teaching, is it really because the Bible is a product of its time, or because we are? (Barry Cooper, Can I really trust the Bible?: and other questions about Scripture, truth and how God speaks)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! What better way to start off your weekend than with this week’s links? Here they are!

• In anticipation for the release of two new books on a biblical view and methodology of counseling (Gospel-Centered Counseling and Scripture and Counseling), Al Mohler provides the foreword for Scripture and Counseling: God’s Word for Life in a Broken World, the second book of a new collaboration of pastors and counselors, edited by Robert Kellemen. Mohler’s thoughts basically sums up the current state of Christian counseling, and I would commend it to you (as well as the books!).
• Peter Enns was a former Old Testament professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, but has since rejected evangelical belief in the inerrancy of Scripture, and has recently come out with a book critiquing the inerrancy of Scripture, primarily in the Old Testament. Parroting many of the common criticisms of the Bible, Enns yet still affirms the Bible as the Word of God. Professor Michael Kruger has written a very measured and pointed critique to Enns’ work, that will be of help to the church at large in responding to the types of criticisms you hear amongst many non-Christians. Take up and read.
• Last week, I quoted from an article, “Caring for the Distressed” by Craig Marshall. Now you can read it in their online newsletter, along with other things happening at the Institute of Biblical Counseling & Discipleship, which is located in Escondido!
• Here’s a helpful resource for collegians who encounter this objection when sharing their faith: Evil and Theodicy by Cornelius Van Til is now available in ePub, Mobi, and PDF. Fresh off the (digital) press!
• Ed Stetzer has written a couple of posts showing the problem of biblical illiteracy in the church, and possible solutions to remedy that. Mark Jones has a post on the Reformation21 blog that addresses the same issue, but calls it Bible ignorance, instead.
• Recently, two ordained ministers (a husband and wife) were told by city officials that to not officiate a same-sex wedding could lead to jail time along with an unending fine, until they do so. Ryan Anderson provides context and some strategies for how to respond.
• Joe Carter continues his series of articles on argument, persuasion and rhetoric for Christians with a post on how to and how not to argue the slippery slope.
• Dan Phillips has given a clear example of Strange Fire occurring in the ‘ministry’ of Pat Robertson, and explains the main problem with his influence: rejection of the sufficiency of Scripture. A sobering reminder that we need to trust in the Scriptures, and not man, for growth in godliness.
• Going from observer to lover of the church involves a number of steps, one of which includes a mind shift from seeing what the church can provide for you to what you can provide to the church. This was recently highlighted in Katie Van Dyke’s post, “How I Learned to Love the Church”, who provides a quick layout of how believers have been influenced by the culture to make decisions from a me-centered perspective, and how to turn to an others-centered perspective. Probably my favorite post this week.
• Matt Perman has a wonderful post on the proper emphasis of accountability in Scripture: the leaders being held accountable to those they are leading. Don’t miss this one.

That’s all for this week! We hope this weekend will be a blessing to all who are able to attend All-Church Retreat! Pray for Greg and Betsy Harris for their travel to Pine Valley, and for those who are staying for church this Sunday, that God will continue to minister His Word to your life, and draw you closer to Him.

Soli Deo Gloria