A well-rounded approach to Bible study recognizes that the Bible is always more concerned with the decision-maker than with the decision itself. Its aim is to change our hearts so that we desire what God desires, rather than to spoon-feed us answers to every decision in life. (Jen Wilkin, Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! There’s something in here for everyone, so I won’t beat around the bush, and just get straight to it!

• Last week, I mentioned the audio/video for the Shepherds’ Conference Inerrancy Summit was posted. This week, seminar audio from that summit has been posted, and I’ve been told Michael Vlach’s presentation on using Scripture in our defense of the faith is one worth listening to. In case you haven’t been able to watch all the sessions, here are some takeaways from the conference from some Grace to You staff.
• If that wasn’t enough, the international arm of The Master’s Seminary, The Master’s Academy International (TMAI), had a symposium that dealt with the issue of inerrancy and missions that has also been highly recommended for me to listen to. The link provides the audio for most of the sessions, as well as an opportunity to receive a new book written by various faculty of TMAI training centers around the world. You do not want to miss out on this!
• In a blog series dealing with equipping biblical counselors in the local church, a couple posts stood out that I thought were very pertinent to the issue of counseling others: Pastor Jim Newheiser gave eight reasons biblical counseling training centers reinforce the local church, while Tim Lane writes two reasons the church should be involved in counseling others. As Christians, we are called to serve and love one another, and if we affirm biblical inerrancy, counseling each other biblically will follow. May our church live in light of the perfect and unchanging Word of God.
• For pastors, what benefits are there to being ‘forced’ to be at church all the time? May this post, which gives four reasons, be an encouragement to you.
• Have you ever wondered what it looks like to discuss the differences between a presuppositional apologetic and a classical apologetic? Well, if you’re wondering now that I asked, Fred Butler provides some interaction he had with a representative of a very popular form of defending the faith. This is also a model for how to engage other believers who you might differ with, which is something we are bound to encounter.
• If you didn’t know, this month is Pastor’s Wife Appreciation Month! If you would like to encourage/serve your pastor’s wife, here are five ways to get you going. If you are a pastor’s wife, I’m sure finding strength in weakness is a huge help. To the church: does she know she is loved by you? Be the first to show her your appreciation for all that she does!
• For you moms out there, a new resource came out that provides a Bible study on how to walk with God during your time of motherhood. Melissa Kruger, the author, provides some back story for her book that I hope will be a blessing to you.
• Men, 9Marks regularly comes out with a journal addressing different topics relevant to church health. This month, they came out with an issue dealing with complementarianism in the local church. I would challenge every man at our church to read through this journal, and work at growing in your role as a man, whether single or married. This couldn’t be more timely.

That’s all for this week! Looking forward to seeing all of you this coming Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria