If you invented a religious system, it’s unlikely that you would imagine a god who became like the people he created. But God did even more. He became like his creatures and willingly suffered a horrifying death so that they could be spared. Even the men and women who studied Scripture didn’t anticipate that God would come this close. They never guessed that the Messiah, God himself, would suffer in the way he did. If you think God is far away and indifferent, here is the surprising revelation. From the foundation of the world, God knew your sufferings and declared that he himself would take human form and participate in them (which means that we too could share in his). (Ed Welch, Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The weekend has arrived, and so have our links!

• Alex Malarkey, who suffered from a car accident and claimed to have gone to heaven, has posted a retraction letter concerning the book that bears his name as co-author, The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven. Phil Johnson (whose post includes Alex’s letter) and The Cripplegate have written about the story.
• In light of the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, Christian rap artist Lecrae recently discussed his public confession of encouraging an ex-girlfriend to abort their baby with John Piper and John Ensor, president of Passion Life Ministries. The confession came in the form of a song called, “Good, Bad, Ugly.” Not only do they discuss his past sin, but the power and freedom of confession and forgiveness available to all who have engaged in this act. A powerful testimony to the grace of God. The Cripplegate wrote a post highlighting the number of articles written about abortion on their site. Russell Moore reminds us that not only have many lives been lost in light of Roe v. Wade, but so have the consciences of many men and women, which is where the gospel must be directed.
• Are we on the wrong side of history when it comes to the issue of marriage and same-sex marriage? Pastor David Murray answers in the negative in light of Time magazine’s foray into evangelicalism’s dividing on this issue. Denny Burk rightly questions the use of the word ‘evangelical’ when it comes to those fully embracing the culture’s revisionist view of marriage.
• Knowing that there may be some at our church who are currently unemployed, a very helpful post has been written with practical, and biblical instruction, on how to choose a job. If you haven’t looked into it before, this would be a great place to start.
• News has come out that a New Testament manuscript may date to the 1st century. This may become the oldest fragment/witness to Scripture’s reliability. Not wanting to jump the gun, Justin Taylor gives a measured response which includes links to biblical scholars who have commented thus far.
• Paul Tripp continues writing about us being glory junkies, adding 5 more signs that would diagnose us in being one. A great help is his recognition, as we all should recognize when discussing this with others, is that we are not doctors looking down on others in diagnosing them, but recovering addicts. Let this post be a mirror into your soul and see where you stand.
• How do you respond when the words of another stings? Paula Hendricks gives some helpful insight in the words we say after the hurt has come.
• Here’s a question I’ve heard asked before (along with an answer): “Should I make my daughter have a quiet time?“
• How early are Christian beliefs in the history of the church? Believers would say, since the very beginning, obviously. Many biblical scholars would disagree. How do we settle the issue? One way is to see how early Christians argued or defended the Christian faith. Such an example comes from the pen of Aristides, who wrote a summary statement of the faith in the early second century. Michael Kruger gives some bite-sized commentary.
• What are the current scientific problems with the theories of biological and chemical evolution? Justin Taylor highlights a succinct response from the Discovery Institute that may just be worth bookmarking for future reference.

That’s all for this week’s links! Looking forward to our study of 2 Samuel this coming Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria