“Our debt to God, then, puts our complaints into proper perspective. Given our rebellion against God, our every breath comes by the mercy of God not giving us what we deserve, and our every blessing comes by the grace of God giving us what we do not deserve. And while mysteries remain, we have a proper starting point to engage difficult questions: God owes us nothing while we owe God perfect love, honor, and obedience. Thus, more appropriate than asking why bad things happen to good people is asking why such good things happen to those who willfully disregard their obligation to love, honor, and obey their excellent and gracious Creator.” (Craig Biehl, God the Reason: How Infinite Excellence Gives Unbreakable Faith)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The links are here, so what are you waiting for? Click on!

• If you weren’t aware, October is Pastor Appreciation Month! If you’re wondering how to encourage your pastor, Pastor Brian Croft has some great suggestions to get you started.
• Denny Burk highlights the protest that occurred outside the recent Association of Certified Biblical Counselors national conference. The conference was on transgenderism and homosexuality, yet those who were against ACBC believed they were promoting reparative therapy. ACBC Executive Director, Heath Lambert, addressed the protest, and the opposition to it from both the protestors and ACBC. So thankful the spotlight is on this ministry, as they seek to be faithful to Scripture in a faithless culture.
• Mark Altrogge lays out Paul’s lifestyle of evangelism that has every bit of relevance today as it did then. You will be much the wiser by incorporating these elements into your own life as a witness to the power of the gospel. Over at The Cripplegate, Jordan Standridge lays out the marks of a faithful evangelist. May we never be ashamed of the gospel!
• At the LDS General Conference this past weekend, Mormon Apostle Neil Andersen advised all Mormons to get past Joseph Smith’s history and move forward in their faith. Sharon Lindbloom of Mormonism Research Ministry responds.
• Professor Michael Kruger addresses the common claim that the New Testament is not worth trusting due to the idea that the manuscripts we possess today of the original copies were made by untrained, unprofessional scribes. You should be happy to know that he lays that objection to rest.
• Kevin DeYoung answers one of the most common questions asked of Christians, “Are good works necessary to salvation?” With the help of Reformer Francis Turretin, this one is really worth checking out.
• Over at the True Woman blog, Jeanne Harrison gives some wise advice to women who are battling with embracing biblical womanhood. Make sure you don’t miss out on the recommended links at the bottom of the page.

That’s all for this week! Remember to pray for the youth and collegians as they meet tonight, and to get ready to worship together this coming Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria