[I]t should grieve us when Jesus is not adored, not worshipped, when his glory is not acknowledged— when he is ignored, sidelined and derided. It should grieve us when that happens in our hearts and lives; and when it happens in the hearts and lives of those around us. (Rico Tice, Honest Evangelism)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! In preparation for the long weekend, here are this week’s links!

• Desert Springs Church recently held a regional conference for The Gospel Coalition that addressed the topic of preaching. The goal was to gain a better understanding of what preaching is, how it works, and what it does. All of this was designed to better prepare the church to know how to listen to a sermon in their own respective churches. Spiritual food for thought (and action).
• If you have ever taught the Bible or would like to in the near future, wouldn’t you like to know how to teach it well? Popular Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie has begun a new podcast called Help Me Teach the Bible where she interviews different pastors, asking them specific questions that help believers learn how to teach a book of the Bible in your church. Her first interview is with John Piper on the book of Philippians.
• Engaging in discussion with Muslims is typically not a common thing Christians do, probably to our shame. How can we reach Muslims for Christ? St. Helen’s Bishopgate, a church in London, has begun posting videos that introduce Islam to Christians in the hopes that Christians will be better equipped to engage Muslims in conversation within the context of friendship. For a deeper discussion, Dr. James White gave a presentation on Islam and Inerrancy from the TMAI Symposium that would well worth your time.
• If you have spoken to a Roman Catholic about their beliefs, praying to the saints will likely come up. What is Rome’s official teaching, and how does it square with Scripture? Eric Davis gives a careful analysis that will help.
• A recent debate took place with regards to abortion, and how best to end it: either incrementally or immediately. Scott Klusendorf, of the Life Training Institute, wrote an insightful commentary that lays out the issue and how to proceed.
• What happens when you turn friendship into more than it was designed to be? Probably more than you might initially think.
• Is it arrogant to claim to know God? Christian philosopher James Anderson doesn’t think so. Check out his response.

That’s all for this week! Let us give thanks to God for the men and women who have died serving this country, never neglecting their sacrifice. Let us also be pointed to the ultimate sacrifice in Christ, who gave His life as a ransom for many.

Soli Deo Gloria