In studying the Reformation, we remember what the church is all about, and we remember how easy it is for the church to lose its grip on the gospel. If he said it once, Martin Luther said it a hundred times: “The church’s true treasure is the gospel.” (Stephen Nichols, The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for another blessed week! And another week of thoughtful links from godly leaders! Here they are!

• What is a biblical view of missions? Many in the evangelical world would classify social justice as under the umbrella of missions, but is it? Pastor Joel James began a series last week on this very issue, followed by eight reasons (two posts) why it isn’t the case, and a look into the book of Acts to give general guidelines as how Scripture defines missions. For anyone missions-minded, this is essential reading.
• IBCD, a biblical counseling center located in Escondido, was recently featured on ACBC’s blog, focusing on how this ministry emphasizes the importance of the local church. You will both learn and appreciate the necessity of biblical counseling and the local church after reading this.
• Denny Burk has, I believe, written the post of the week. He writes of the coming conflict that every faithful believer will be facing in the near future with respect to our convictions on the LGBT issue. Burk also gives a helpful and biblical description of what persecution looks like. Are we ready for what’s to come? Also, David French writes of a new report by two of the leading psychiatrists in America on the lacking scientific evidence of the ‘born this way’ mantra. Ryan T. Anderson gives further details of the report.
• With the wrap-up of the Olympics, and the many newsworthy items to share, one that came up was the Olympic runner who has an intersex condition. Denny Burk sheds light on the condition, drawing us to look at the right questions (parts one and two) to ask about intersex athletes. This is an area that Christians must be informed of, and to model how to graciously discuss ethical issues like this with those around us.
• CCEF continues its Live online workshop with Winston’s Smith’s session on Scripture’s perspective on negative emotions and its role in our relationships with God and others.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Lumos, as they kick off the year with “Back to School Night,” as well as College Life! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria