“An unforgiving heart is an unforgiven heart.” (Tim Keller)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Reformation Day! In light of our celebration long ago for what God has done through the faithfulness of many men, we will highlight some that have led us to where the church is today. So let’s get to it!

• Ligonier Ministries is known for their strong emphasis on Reformed Theology, and their affirmation of the Reformation. So, in light of that, instead of their usual $5 Friday sale, they are making some of their Reformation resources available for free, including a teaching series (Luther and the Reformation and Reformation Profiles), eBooks (books on John Calvin and Martin Luther), and an audiobook of R.C. Sproul’s Are We Together? A Protestant Analyzes Roman Catholicism (great resource for knowing the differences between what Rome teaches and what Scripture teaches). DO NOT miss out on this great deal, which is free!
• Pastor Voddie Baucham addresses the argument that the issue of same-sex marriage is the civil rights issue of the day, much like racism against African-Americans a generation ago was the issue then. He gives two talks that answer this and other common objections against the biblical position of marriage consisting of a man and a woman.
• How do you bless the socks off your pastor? Stephen Altrogge’s answers are as good as, if not better than, the actual question itself. Read and make sure our pastor’s socks come flying off!
• Our past retreat, which can be accessed (video or audio), dealt with the issue of suffering and God’s glory. For the blessing and growth of our church, we received both Dr. Greg Harris’ book and study guide. For those who are more audio-inclined, Dr. Harris has read his entire book in audio format. Listen, and give thanks to our God for what He has done in Dr. Harris’ life!
• In honor of Reformation Day (take a back seat, Halloween!), Steve Lawson writes a profile of the leading theologian of the Reformation, John Calvin. Make sure you read the background of the events leading up to the Reformation, and the other theologians who took part in this amazing outbreak of biblical preaching. Even Pastor Jim Kang from LBC East Bay gets into it with an article that gets even deeper on Martin Luther’s life. Enjoy!
• With all the reasons one can give to joining a church, here’s an article giving some of the bad reasons people give in joining a church, and how to respond with wise counsel.
• Ligonier Ministries has just come out with their results of a survey to Americans about different theological statements, and it seems worrisome, yet at the same time, very promising. Here’s Pastor David Murray’s summary and notes.
• Seeing that two big conferences from CCEF and ACBC took place in Southern CA recently, Pastor and biblical counselor Jim Newheiser has written a look at the highs that took place there, and the return to daily ministry that he calls, “Down from the Mountaintop on Monday.”
• What is the proper criteria for voting? Mark Snoeberger has some biblical wisdom to impart in this area.
• What happens when evil triumphs over good? Professor Robert Gagnon has written a mini-post summarizing the state of the church with regards to the issue of same-sex marriage in answer to the question. This may be the best post I have read thus far on the subject. Gagnon later interacts with author Matthew Vines, who is leading the way for the church to embrace and affirm same-sex marriage.

That’s all for this week! Looking forward to spending this weekend focusing on Christ and His true character!

Soli Deo Gloria