“I sometimes wonder if one reason for the failure of the evening service reflects more on the failure of the church to understand she is a family, where relationships are to be cultivated, not taken for granted. The early church gave themselves to fellowship (Acts 2:42). The time after the services on the Lord’s day is a wonderful opportunity for God’s people to fellowship, ask questions about how each other is doing, see how we can better pray for one another, and build one another up (1 Thess. 5:11). Why do some Christians consistently love to leave so quickly after church?” (Mark Jones)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! It’s been quite a busy week in the blogosphere, with much to pass along. I hope the week has been fruitful and that these links will draw you closer and closer to Christ!

• The Center for Medical Progress has posted their 11th video highlighting an abortion provider of Planned Parenthood discuss how she performs a second-trimester abortion procedure. CMP argues this is identical to performing partial-birth abortion, which is illegal. Joe Carter addresses what effects current state-level anti-abortion laws are having in the US today.
• Sundays may be hard to prepare for, but this may be an area that we need to grow in. Specifically aimed at fathers, Jeremy Kimble at CBMW advises men to shepherd their families before, during and after the Sunday service. Are you prepared to receive God’s Word this coming Lord’s day?
• Do you happen to know the many names of God written in Scripture? If not, and you’re what the point of looking at His many names are, look no further.
• For most in the church, seminary isn’t an option many consider, even if one goes into full-time ministry. For those in the pew, how can laymen (and women) get some further training? Bible teacher Nancy Guthrie provides some solid advice for women, though I’d consider this solid advice for men as well.
• Who would you list as examples of masculinity? Who comes to mind as the epitome of manhood? Would you be surprised that Scripture points to Jesus as the perfect example? Nicholas Batzig provides quite the compelling case.
• Tomorrow will be the 498th anniversary of the Reformation, which celebrates the posting of the 95 theses by Martin Luther on the doors of the church in Wittenburg, Germany. If you aren’t aware of what the issues were that brought about that momentous act, Eric Davis writes an informative overview. Stephen Nichols sums up the events that led to the posting of those theses, and elsewhere considers if the Reformation still matters today.
• Glory Books, which is Dr. Greg Harris’ website, has a podcast that covers various topics in the Christian life. The most recent episode deals with Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Calling, assessing whether it has theological merit and is worth picking up. May be of interest to you.

That’s all for this week! Remember that Lumos and College Life are meeting tonight, and that we will be having our annual Fall Festival tomorrow night, all at church. See you then!

Soli Deo Gloria